Marilyn

English, combination of Mary and Lynn

"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved + lake"

Marilyn Origin and Meaning

The name Marilyn is a girl's name of English origin meaning "drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved + lake".

For a name that was in the Top 20 for a whole decade – the 1930's – Marilyn has attained the status of almost a one-person name. Just say the name Marilyn, and most people will know who you mean. Yet strangely enough, though Marilyn Monroe (born Norma Jean and renamed in tribute to earlier star Marilyn Miller) was the sex symbol of her generation, very little stardust adhered to her name. In fact, when Mariah Carey wished to honor the star in her daughter's name, she chose to call her Monroe rather than Marilyn.

There have, however, been a number of other notable Marilyns, including opera singer Horne, novelist French and lyricist Bergman--not to mention male musician Marilyn Manson (nee Brian). Actress Kim Novak was born Marilyn.

The meaning of Mary is uncertain, but theories include "drop of the sea" (from Hebrew roots mar "drop" and yam "sea"); "bitter" (from Hebrew marah "bitterness"); and "beloved" (from the Egyptian root mr).

Marilyn Rank in US Top 1000

# 666 in the US

Marilyn Rank in Nameberry Top 1000

# 658 on Nameberry

Popularity of the name Marilyn

• 666 US 2024
• 658 Nameberry 2025
• 370 Future 2028

20 Names Similar to Marilyn

These 20 names were selected by our users that were looking for other names like Marilyn.

• Joyce
• Monica
• Lorraine
• Paulina
• Erica
• Johanna
• Carolina
• Jolene
• Carla
• Leslie
• Regina
• Jacqueline
• Kathleen
• Bethany
• Carolyn
• Kirsten
• Eileen
• Beth
• Annabeth
• Melinda

Famous People Named Marilyn

• Marilyn Monroe (born Norma Jeane Mortenson/Baker) iconic American actress
• Marilyn Pauline "Kim" Novak American actress
• Marilyn Chambers stage name of Marilyn Ann Briggs, American adult film actress
• Marilyn Horne American opera singer
• Marilyn Meseke Miss America 1938
• Marilyn Buferd Miss America 1946
• Marilyn McKnight Miss America 1958
• Marilyn Denis Canadian TV host
• Marilyn (Keith) Bergman American songwriter
• Manfrey Lecta "Marilyn" Duke American pop singer
• Marilyn Miller (born Mary Ellen Reynolds) American actress
• Marilyn McCoo American actress and singer of The 5th Dimension
• Marilyn Border American actress; twin of sister Roz Borden
• Marilyn French American feminist author
• Marilyn Tucker Quayle Second Lady of the U.S. as wife of VP Dan Quayle
• Marilyn vos Savant American advice columnist and record holder for highest IQ
• Marilyn (Rovell) Wilson Rutherford, American singer; first wife of musician Brian Wilson; mother of singers Carnie and Wendy Wilson
• Marilyn Manson stage name of Brian Hugh Warner, American male singer
• Marilyn stage name of Peter Robinson, Jamaican,British male singer
• Marilyn Lima French actress

The name Marilyn in Pop Culture

• Marilyn Truman character on TV's "Will & Grace"
• Marilyn Sudor character on TV's "Boston Public"
• Marilyn Lovell character in film "Apollo 13"
• Marilyn Whirlwind character on TV's "Northern Exposure"
• Marilyn Nesbit one time character in Law and Order: SVU
• Marilyn a Paper Mario The Thousand Year Door character
• Marilyn Munster character in the TV show "The Munsters"