Meaning & Origin
A female given name from Hebrew borrowed from German in early 20th century.
Marlene is a girl's and boy's baby name of Hebrew origin via German, a blend of Maria and Magdalene — combining the Hebrew Miryam (debated meaning, possibly 'beloved' or 'sea of bitterness') with Magdala, a place name. The name was popularized by German actress and singer Marlene Dietrich.
Marlene peaked in the U.S. in the 1940s, riding Dietrich's Hollywood fame. Today it feels like a name with genuine glamour history — more surprising than Madeline, with an old-world European sheen.