Bitter or of Magdala; also associated with light
A modern phonetic variation of Marlena or Marlene. It typically blends the names Mary, meaning 'bitter' or 'beloved', and Magdalene, referring to Mary Magdalene from the village of Magdala. In some contexts, it is interpreted as a combination of Maria and Elena, adding the meaning of 'shining light'.
Less common today
Marlayna isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #3,168 in 1992.
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
Long-running iconic character on the soap opera Days of Our Lives · Days of Our Lives
American jazz, blues, and soul singer
