Marlena
Girl name · 8 babies recorded · 1974–2025
Marlena: 8 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 4 births in 2013.
Marlena is a modern name blending Mary with Magdalene, or formed as a variant of Marlene—itself a contraction of Maria and Magdalene that Marlene Dietrich popularised. The meaning flows from Hebrew roots, with Mary often interpreted as "beloved" or "bitter," while Magdalene refers to Magdala, a village on the Sea of Galilee. Notable bearers include American jazz and soul singer Marlena Shaw, known for her 1969 hit "California Soul," and food writer Marlena Spieler. Though no major place name derives directly from Marlena, the root place-name Magdala appears in several countries. As a name it sits between classic and contemporary, offering a melodic, slightly glamorous feel that remains less common than Marlene but shares its sophisticated European charm.
Girl 2 of 52 years
- Peak year
- 20134 babies
- Latest (2016)
- #6754 babies
- Total births
- 8since 2013
- 5-year trend
- ≈ stablevs prior 5y