US Popularity Rank: 5444

Origin: Egyptian

Meaning: Of Magdala; Sea of bitterness; Rebelliousness; Wished-for child; Beloved

Marlena is a girl’s name of Hebrew origin. A lovely combination of Maria and Magdalene, Marlena takes its meaning from these two classic titles. Magdalene translates to “of Magdala,” an ancient village on the shore of the Sea of Galilee and believed to be the birthplace of Mary Magdalene. Meanwhile, Mary’s meaning is rooted in Hebrew, with theories including “sea of bitterness,” “rebelliousness,” “wished-for child,” and the Egyptian suggestion “beloved.” Marlena has a certain German flavor to it as well, possibly best attributed to the differently-spelled but often mispronounced Marlene Dietrich, the legendary German-born actress and singer. Marlena carries an air of old-world sophistication about it and can be used as a chic alternative to Mary or Marilyn.