Marlena
2025 SSA
About Marlena
Marlena is a feminine name with various European origins, primarily formed as a blend of 'Maria' and 'Elena' or 'Magdalena.' The name carries a romantic, elegant quality while maintaining strength. With Latin roots connected to the names Mary and Helen, Marlena suggests traditional feminine virtues like grace, nurturing, and inner beauty. Though never among the most popular names in the US, Marlena has maintained consistent usage since the mid-20th century, with periodic boosts from characters in literature and television. The name has a melodic quality with its flowing syllables, making it both sophisticated and accessible. Marlena offers the appeal of being recognizable without being overly common.
Pronounced mar-LAY-nuh.
As of October 2026, Marlena ranked #2983 in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #430 in 1978.
Popularity & trends
Data table
| Year | US rank | Births | Per million |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | #2,108 | 92 | 51.5 |
| 2015 | #2,494 | 73 | 40.9 |
| 2016 | #2,317 | 82 | 46.3 |
| 2017 | #2,764 | 62 | 35.9 |
| 2018 | #2,355 | 78 | 45.9 |
| 2019 | #2,444 | 73 | 43.5 |
| 2020 | #2,432 | 72 | 44.5 |
| 2021 | #2,981 | 56 | 34.1 |
| 2022 | #2,622 | 67 | 40.9 |
| 2023 | #3,123 | 53 | 33 |
| 2024 | #3,544 | 44 | 27.2 |
| 2025 | #2,983 | 56 | 34.8 |
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Marlena on lists
Famous Marlenas
- Marlena Shaw (born Marlina Burgess)
American soul singer
- Marlena Hilari Wesh
Haitian,American sprinter
- Marlena Spieler
American chef and cookbook author
Marlena in pop culture
- Marlena Magdelene Harmony "Nana" McQueen
character on British soap "Hollyoaks"
- Marlena Rosenbluth
character in the novel (and movie) "Water for Elephants"
- Marlena Evans
character on the soap opera "Days of Our Lives"
- Marlena
Queen of Eternia, mother of He,Man and She,Ra in the animated series
- Marlena Gru
mother of Gru in the "Despicable Me films"
- "Marlena
" song by Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons
- "Three Marlenas
" song by The Wallflowers