Meaning, origin, history
Marlene is a feminine given name of Germanic origin. It is derived from the Old German words "maht" meaning strength or power, and "hild" which means battle. Therefore, Marlene can be translated as "power in battle". However, it is important to note that this translation may not always be accurate, as the meaning of names can vary depending on the region and time period.
The name Marlene gained popularity during the 20th century. It was brought into the public consciousness by actress and singer Marlene Dietrich, born Marie Magdalene Dietrich in Germany in 1901. Dietrich became famous for her roles in films such as "The Blue Angel" and "Morocco", and her distinctive stage persona. She is credited with popularizing the name Marlene in the English-speaking world.
Marlene has also been used as a surname, although it is much less common than its use as a given name. It has been recorded in Germany since the 13th century, and may have originated as an occupational name for someone who worked in a brewery or tavern (from the Middle High German word "malreine" meaning "malt clean").
In recent years, Marlene has seen a resurgence in popularity. It was among the top 1000 names for girls born in the United States in 2018 and 2019. This may be due in part to its unique sound and its association with the legendary Marlene Dietrich.
In summary, Marlene is a feminine given name of Germanic origin that means "power in battle". It gained popularity during the 20th century thanks to actress and singer Marlene Dietrich, and has been used as both a given name and surname. Despite its origins, it does not have any specific religious or cultural significance attached to it today.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Marlene since 1880
Total births
359
Total since 1880
Peak year
1936
22 births
in 1994
7
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
→
vs previous 5 years