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Marilyn

The name Marilyn peaked for boys at #939 in 1937. Marilyn is also used for girls, ranking #761 in 2025.

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

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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).

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Future

The name Marilyn is currently ranked #761 in U.S. births. and peaked for girls at #13 in 1937. The name is most popular in Nevada, South Dakota, and District of Columbia. Marilyn is occasionally used for boys in 1997.

Mary

Year	US rank	Births	Per million
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2020	—	0	0
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2024	—	0	0
2025	—	0	0

Marilyn

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