Meaning and Origin

Marilyn can be a very interesting girls name. One meaning of Marylin is “star of the sea” and originates from the combination of the names Mary and Lynn. The more common English version of the name Marilyn has Hebrew roots and means that a person is bitter or uncertain.

Popularity of Marilyn

Marilyn was not in the 100th most popular baby girl’s name in England in 2012 (Office of National Statistics).

People in the Public Eye Called Marilyn

Marilyn Monroe is the most commonly associated with the name Marilyn even tho her real name is Norma Jeane Mortenson born June 1 1926. When people think of Marilyn Monroe, she is seen as a sex symbol and also may relate her to a dumb blonde persona. Those characteristic I don’t see being ideal reasons for choosing a babies name.

American musician Brian Hugh Warner aka Marilyn Manson born January 5, 1969 chose his stage name from actress Marilyn Monroe and convict Charles Manson. Marilyn French born November 21, 1929 in Brooklyn she was a well know novelist was very outspoken, even controversial, and opinion maker on topics such as gender issues. Marilyn French had a problem with the expectations of married women in society after the World War 2 era.

Variations of the Name

• Marilene
• Marilynn

Useful Resources

• Our comprehensive list of English Girls Names