Marlys
Primarily a girl's name of Hebrew origin with 8,958 recorded births. Also given to 5 boys.
Meaning & Origin
At 6 letters and two syllables, Marlys hits the middle ground most parents look for: long enough to feel complete, short enough for everyday use. It has been used as a girl's name in the U.S. since 1910, with 8,958 total recorded births.
Marlys is not in the current top 1,000, which means your child is unlikely to share the name with a classmate — a plus for parents who value distinctiveness.
Marlys is not in the current top 1,000 girl names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Marlys is a girl's and boy's baby name of uncertain origin, likely a combination of Mar- (from Mary or Margaret, both of Hebrew origin meaning 'beloved' or 'pearl') and the suffix -lys (from the French lis, meaning 'lily'). It was used primarily in mid-20th century America.
Marlys has the inventive, hybrid quality of American coinage names — taking familiar elements and combining them into something fresh. Cartoonist Lynda Barry's character Marlys Mullen gave the name a quirky, creative spirit in alternative comics.
EtymologyShow more
The ending of a name often carries more etymological information than the beginning. Marlys's final sounds are sharp, distinct — ending on a consonant gives it a firm, clear close. In English-language naming, many feminine names end on open vowels or soft consonants, creating a melodic, approachable quality. Marlys breaks from that pattern, giving it a more distinctive edge.
Explore the ending-based name pages on this site to find names that share Marlys's suffix pattern — names with similar endings often share a style and era, even when they come from different linguistic backgrounds.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Marlys has 94+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1910.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 15 | #16775 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 27 | #15378 | ▼ |
| 2000s | 30 | #15735 | ▼ |
| 1990s | 34 | #13837 | ▼ |
| 1980s | 49 | #9634 | ▼ |
| 1970s | 121 | #5499 | ▼ |
| 1960s | 463 | #1941 | ▼ |
| 1950s | 1,391 | #844 | ▼ |
| 1940s | 2,430 | #492 | ▼ |
| 1930s | 3,172 | #364 | ▲ |
| 1920s | 1,055 | #768 | ▲ |
| 1910s | 171 | #1958 | — |
The Story of Marlys
A Silent Generation name
Peaking in 1937, Marlys is an elegant vintage name. Girls named Marlys are most likely born between 1927 and 1947.
How rare is Marlys?
Marlys has 8,958 recorded births in the U.S. — a well-established name with deep roots.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1910, peaked in the 1930s with 3,172 births that decade, and has since become a rare, vintage choice.
Marlys by the numbers
- Would fill 187 school buses
- Meeting one Marlys per day would take 24.5 years
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(94 years, 1910–2022)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 5 | #16844 |
| 2021 | 5 | #16823 |
| 2020 | 5 | #16658 |
| 2018 | 5 | #17275 |
| 2016 | 11 | #9844 |
| 2015 | 5 | #18193 |
| 2012 | 6 | #16198 |
| 2008 | 7 | #14832 |
| 2006 | 6 | #16418 |
| 2004 | 6 | #15373 |
| 2003 | 6 | #15075 |
| 2001 | 5 | #16978 |
| 1996 | 5 | #14954 |
| 1995 | 5 | #14878 |
| 1994 | 5 | #14868 |
| 1993 | 5 | #14900 |
| 1991 | 9 | #9055 |
| 1990 | 5 | #14367 |
| 1988 | 6 | #11232 |
| 1987 | 8 | #8465 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Marlys as a Boy's Name
While overwhelmingly a girl's name, Marlys has also been given to 5 boys in the U.S. since 1938.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Marlys a boy's or girl's name?
When was Marlys most popular?
How popular is the name Marlys?
Can Marlys be used for both boys and girls?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1910–2022