Marilyn is a feminine given name of English origin, created as a combination of Mary and the common name suffix lyn. The name was very rare before the 20th century, but it began to be used increasingly in the 1920s and reached its peak of popularity in the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s.Etymology and HistoryThe earliest known recorded instance of Marilyn is Marilyn Spencer Foster, born in 1510 in England. However, the name remained obscure until the early 20th century, when it was popularized in part by the American stage star Marilyn Miller (1898–1936). Born Mary Ellen Reynolds, she took her stage name from a combination of her birth name and her mother's middle name Lynn. The name entered the United States top 1000 in 1917 and climbed rapidly, reaching its highest rank of 13th in 1936.Cultural Significance and Notable BearersMarilyn became indelibly associated with Marilyn Monroe (1926–1962), the iconic American actress and model. Born Norma Jeane Mortenson, she adopted her stage name from the marriage of Marilyn Miller and her husband (though common legends suggest a simpler borrowing of "Marilyn"). Monroe's fame cemented the name in popular culture, giving it an enduring glamour. Another notable bearer is opera singer Marilyn Horne (born 1934), celebrated for her powerful mezzo-soprano voice. The name has also been borne by numerous other figures across sports, politics, and the arts—including field hockey player Marilyn Agliotti (born 1978), composer Marilyn Bergman (1928–2022), and British singer Marilyn (born 1962).VariantsNumerous spelling variants exist, including Maralyn, Marilynn, Marlyn, Marylyn, and Merilyn among others.Meaning: Combination of Mary and LynnOrigin: EnglishType: Feminine given nameUsage Regions: Primarily English-speaking countries, especially the United States