Marlene

Often treated as a classic name; it’s commonly explained as a blended form built from older names.

Marlene is a classic name strongly associated with German-language usage and widely recognized internationally. Many references describe it as a blended form, often linked to Maria and Magdalene, although sources vary in how they document blended-name origins. In English, mar-LEEN is common; in German you may hear a different vowel quality that can sound closer to mar-LAY-nuh in some contexts. A common spelling variant is Marleen, which often nudges pronunciation toward “leen.” Leni is a widely used nickname.

Etymology: Frequently described as a blend formed from Maria and Magdalene in German-language usage, though the exact naming pathway can vary by source.