Bitter or from Magdala; combination of Mary and Elena
Marleyna is a modern elaboration of Marlene, which itself is a portmanteau of Mary and Magdalene. It combines the Hebrew roots of Mary, often interpreted as 'bitter' or 'beloved', with the Greek roots of Elena, meaning 'shining light'. This specific spelling adds a contemporary flair to a name popularized in the mid-20th century.
Less common today
Marleyna isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #11,609 in 1995.
German-American actress and singer who inspired the name's popularity
Long-running iconic character on the soap opera Days of Our Lives · Days of Our Lives
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
