Marlene
GirlGerman · German /maʁˈleːnə/
Marlene joins Maria and Magdalene in one German name. Its film association and flowing sound give it an elegant vintage character.
Origin
German
Pronunciation
German /maʁˈleːnə/
Blend of Maria and Magdalene; no single literal translation
Marlene is a German feminine name formed from Maria and Magdalene. Rather than having a separate dictionary meaning, it brings together two names: Maria has an uncertain etymology, while Magdalene means “from Magdala”. Actress and singer Marlene Dietrich gives the name a distinctive film connection. That association can lend Marlene a poised, vintage elegance; the flowing -lene ending also has a softer appeal of its own. In German /maʁˈleːnə/, the middle syllable is stressed and the final e is heard. This gives the full name a gently tapering finish.
Etymology: A German combination of Maria and Magdalene. Maria has an uncertain etymology; Magdalene means “from Magdala”.
Spelling table
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Name popularity
Latest year: 2025
Girls
Rank1,268
Source
SSA records cover Social Security card applications, not every US birth. Names with fewer than 5 occurrences are omitted; gaps do not mean zero. Spellings are kept separate, except that SSA removes spaces and hyphens. Equal counts are ranked alphabetically. Ranks are calculated separately for boys and girls.
Origin
German