How Many People Are Named Marilyn?
Complete statistics for the name Marilyn: rarity score, gender breakdown, age distribution, historical popularity, worldwide data, meaning and origin.
Marilyn means 'drop of the sea' and has a timeless charm. It's rare, with just 1 in 1,600 Americans named Marilyn, making it stand out. The majority, 89%, are over 60, giving it an unmistakably vintage feel.
📖 Meaning & Origin
Life path number 11 is often associated with spiritual insight and visionary leadership.
🌍 Worldwide Usage
⚥ Gender Distribution
📊 Births by Age Group
Avg Cohort Age: 78All 374,490 recorded US births for this name, grouped by the age those individuals would be today. Not adjusted for survival, so the number living today is lower (see the living estimate above).
📈 Popularity Over Time
Peak: 1947Annual US births from SSA records · Trend: Slowly declining
🏆 Name Scorecard
Scores 0–100 based on statistical analysis of US and worldwide name frequency
📜 Marilyn Through the Generations
Marilyn peaked in popularity in 1947 when 11,905 babies were given this name, reflecting the era's glamour and optimism. Today, there are 206,297 people named Marilyn living in the US, with most over 60, indicating its enduring appeal among older generations. The name's slow decline suggests it remains a cherished choice, albeit less common than in its heyday.
📍 State Distribution (Top 10)
🌿 Related Names by Origin
Other names sharing Marilyn's English roots
📄 About the Name Marilyn
How Many People Have the Name Marilyn?
Based on Social Security Administration birth records and age-adjusted survival modeling, approximately 206,297 people in the United States currently share the name Marilyn. That works out to roughly 1 in every 1,600 Americans, placing it in the Uncommon category.
Is Marilyn a Common or Rare Name?
Marilyn is classified as Uncommon. The rarity scale runs from Very Common (shared by millions) through Common, Uncommon, Rare, and Very Rare. Understanding where a name sits helps parents gauge uniqueness, genealogists narrow down records, and individuals settle debates about their own name's distinctiveness.
What Does the Name Marilyn Mean?
Marilyn means "drop of the sea" and comes from English origins. The name carries a life-path numerology number of 11.
Gender Breakdown
Of all recorded bearers of Marilyn in SSA data, approximately 0% are male and 100% are female.
When Was Marilyn Most Popular?
The name Marilyn reached peak popularity in 1947, with 11,905 babies registered that year. Current trend: Slowly declining.
How Is This Data Calculated?
All figures are statistical estimates, not exact government headcounts. The underlying data comes from the SSA National Baby Names dataset. Full methodology is explained on the methodology page.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How many people are named Marilyn?
Approximately 206,297 people named Marilyn live in the United States today. All-time US births on record total 374,490. That works out to roughly 1 in 1,600 Americans.
Is Marilyn a rare name?
Marilyn is classified as Uncommon in the United States. Approximately 1 in every 1,600 Americans has this name.
What does the name Marilyn mean?
Marilyn means "drop of the sea" and comes from English origins.
Is Marilyn more male or female?
Based on SSA records, 0% of people named Marilyn are male and 100% are female.
When was Marilyn most popular?
Marilyn peaked in 1947 with 11,905 births that year. Current trend: Slowly declining.
How accurate are these statistics?
All figures are statistical estimates based on SSA birth records and age-adjusted modeling. See the methodology page for full details.