Marline is a unique and captivating female given name of French origin. Its meaning is derived from the French word "mer," which translates to "sea." Therefore, Marline signifies "of the sea" or "resembling the sea."
The history of the name Marline is somewhat obscure, but it is believed to have been created as a variation of the more common French name Marceline. While Marceline originates from the Latin word "marcus," meaning "dedicated to Mars," Marline's origins are purely coastal and nautical.
Despite its uncommon usage today, Marline has a rich history in literature and art. It was notably used by French author Victor Hugo in his novel "Les Misérables" as the name of one of the characters. Additionally, there is an asteroid named 13974 Marline that was discovered by Eric Walter Elst in 1988 at Caussols Observatory in France.
In recent years, Marline has gained some popularity among parents seeking distinctive and meaningful names for their daughters. However, it remains relatively uncommon, making it a unique choice for those who wish to honor the power and mystery of the sea without using a more common name like Marina or Oceane.
Overall, the name Marline is an enchanting option that embodies the spirit of the sea while offering a touch of French elegance. Its unique origin and literary associations make it a compelling choice for parents looking for a distinctive name with deep meaning.
Here are some interesting statistics about the name Marline in the United States:
From 1915 to 2017, there were a total of 1524 babies named Marline born in the United States.
The name's popularity varied greatly over time. In its peak years (1935-1938), there were around 38-39 births each year. However, by the late 1960s to early 1970s, the number of annual Marline births had dropped significantly, with only single-digit figures recorded each year.
Since the turn of the millennium (2000 onwards), the name Marline has seen a slight resurgence in popularity. Between 2000 and 2015, there were around 6-14 births per year on average.
It's fascinating to observe how the popularity of names can fluctuate over time, reflecting societal trends and preferences!