Marilene as a Baby Name. Meaning and Origin of Marilene

What is the meaning of the name Marilene ?

The baby name Marilene is a Female name , 3 syllables long and is pronounced /ˌmærɪˈliːn/ (MAIR-i-LEEN) or /ˌmærɪˈleɪn/ (MAIR-i-LAYN).

Marilene is Portuguese, Spanish in Origin.

Marilene is a modern compound feminine name formed by Maria and the element -lene. The latter mirrors Lene, a short form of Helene or the ending of Magdalene, making Marilene cognate with German Marlene. The name appears most in Lusophone countries - especially Brazil - and also in Francophone usage as Marilène/Marylène; related forms include Marilena in Italian and Romanian. It emerged in the 20th century alongside the vogue for blended Marian names.

Meaning depends on interpretation of its parts: Maria (from Hebrew Miryam, variously explained as “beloved,” “wished-for child,” or “sea”) combined with Lene (from Greek Helene, “torch, light,” or from Magdalene, “woman of Magdala”). Thus Marilene is often read as “beloved light” or “Mary of Magdala.” Variants: Marilène, Marylène, Marilena, Marlene. Common diminutives and nicknames include Mari, Lene, and Lena.