Marlena is a name of Slavic origin, specifically from Poland and other Eastern European countries. It is derived from the Slavic element "marlenna," which means "sea wave." The name Marlena is believed to have been popularized by the Polish poet Adam Mickiewicz, who used it in his poem "Konrad Wallenrod" published in 1828.
The name Marlena has a unique and elegant sound, making it appealing to many parents looking for a distinctive name for their daughters. Despite its Slavic origins, Marlena has gained popularity worldwide and can be found in various cultures today. Its meaning adds an interesting dimension to the name, as it suggests strength, fluidity, and power, much like the waves of the sea.
Historically, Marlena was not widely used until Mickiewicz's poem brought it into the public consciousness. Since then, however, it has become a popular choice for parents looking for a name that is both unique and meaningful. Today, people named Marlena can be found in many countries around the world, each carrying with them the legacy of their name's rich history and beautiful meaning.
The name Marlena has been quite popular in the United States over the past century, with a significant increase in its usage from the 1970s onwards.
From 1925 to 1964, there were fewer than 100 births for each year. However, starting in 1965, the number of births began to rise significantly, reaching over 100 births per year consistently until 1976.
The peak of Marlena's popularity came in the late 1970s and early 1980s, with a total of 423 births recorded in 1977 alone. This was followed by a gradual decline throughout the rest of the century, with fewer than 250 births per year from 1985 onwards.
Despite this decrease in popularity, Marlena has remained somewhat steady over the past few decades, with around 60 to 100 births recorded each year between 1990 and 2023. In total, there have been 11,220 births of the name Marlena in the United States since 1925.
This information shows that while Marlena may not be as popular now as it was during its peak in the late 1970s and early 1980s, it remains a well-established and enduring name choice for parents in the United States.