Marilyn is a distinctive choice, ranked #1541 in 2024. Your child is likely to be the only Marilyn in their class.
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UK Rank 2024
#1541
US Rank #666
About the Name Marilyn
2024 marks Marilyn's peak year in UK records so far, sitting at UK #1541. The name has climbed 759 places in the last five years — a significant surge by any measure. The name has been a consistent presence in UK records since 1996.
Marilyn is distinctive enough that your child will likely be the only one in both their class and their school — standing out on every register.
In the US it ranks even higher at #666, where it enjoys a particularly strong following.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the name Marilyn
Unlikely. With around 20 UK babies named Marilyn per year, your child will almost certainly be the only Marilyn in her class, and possibly the only one in the whole school.
Marilyn is currently rising in popularity in the UK, up 759 places over the last five years to #1541 in 2024. If this trend continues, it will become more common in classrooms over the next decade.
Marilyn is more popular in the US (#666) than in the UK (#1541). Names with strong rankings in both countries tend to have broad cross-cultural appeal, working well for international families or those with ties to both nations.
Notable people named Marilyn include: Marilyn Gladu — Marilyn Gladu is a Canadian politician who has been the member of Parliament (MP) for Sarnia—Lambton—Bkejwanong since 2015.; Marilyn Hickey — Marilyn Allene Hickey is an American Christian minister and televangelist who teaches Bible studies both nationally and internationally.; Marilyn Maye — Marilyn Maye McLaughlin is an American singer, musical theater actress and masterclass educator..
Marilyn ranks #666 in the US top 1,000 (2024). It's recognised in America but considerably more popular in the UK.
20
UK babies named Marilyn (2024)
< 1
Expected classmates with this name (class of 28)
~0.0
In a school of 600
↑ 759 places
Rank change (last 5 years)
🏫 Who else is in the room?
In a typical UK class of 28, highlighted children share the name Marilyn
Likely around 1 other Marilyn in the class
UK Popularity (1996–2024)
Rank and birth count · ONS official data
US Popularity (2020–2024)
Rank · SSA official data
✨ Similar names to Marilyn
Names with a similar style — each with their own classroom story
Marilyn Gladu is a Canadian politician who has been the member of Parliament (MP) for Sarnia—Lambton—Bkejwanong since 2015. Elected as a Conservative, she crossed the floor to the Liberals in April 2026.
Marilyn Maye McLaughlin is an American singer, musical theater actress and masterclass educator. With a career spanning eight decades, Maye has performed music in the styles of cabaret, jazz and pop music.