Meaning, origin, history
Marlise is a feminine given name of French origin. It is composed of two elements: "Mar" which means "of the sea" or "sea-born", and "lise" which is derived from the Latin word "laurus" meaning "bay laurel". Thus, Marlise translates to "born of the sea and laurel".
The name Marlise is not particularly common, but it has been used throughout history. One notable figure bearing this name was French writer Marceline Desbordes-Valmore (1786-1859), who often went by her middle name Marlise professionally.
In terms of its popularity as a given name, Marlise has not been widely adopted. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, for example, there were only 24 babies named Marlise between 1879 and 2019, with no instances recorded after 1969.
Despite its rarity, Marlise remains a name of French origin that carries a unique and elegant sound. Its meaning, connected to both the sea and the laurel plant, adds an intriguing layer to this distinctive given name.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Marlise since 1880
Total births
364
Total since 1880
Peak year
1962
16 births
in 2020
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
→
vs previous 5 years