Marilynne is a feminine given name of American origin. It is believed to have been coined by the author John Updike for his character Marilynne Robinson in his novel "Rabbit Is Rich," published in 1981. The name has gained popularity since then and has been used independently from its literary roots.
The meaning of Marilynne is not explicitly defined as it is a modern coinage. However, some people interpret it as a combination of the names Marie and Lynn, with Marie being of French origin meaning "sea" or "rebellious," and Lynn being an English surname derived from a place name meaning "lake." Therefore, some might associate Marilynne with characteristics such as fluidity, adaptability, and perhaps even rebelliousness.
Historically, there is no significant figure named Marilynne that stands out in history. However, since its introduction through literature, the name has been used independently and has gained popularity among parents seeking unique names for their daughters. Today, it is considered a modern classic, with a timeless appeal that continues to inspire parents looking for distinctive yet elegant names for their children.
In terms of popular culture, Marilynne Robinson herself became a notable figure in literature after winning the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2005 for her novel "Gilead." This further cemented the name's place in American literary history and may have contributed to its ongoing popularity.
The given statistics show the annual number of births with the name Marilynne in the United States from 1921 to 2013. Over this period of 92 years, a total of 968 babies were named Marilynne.
The name's popularity fluctuated greatly over time. It started with relatively low numbers, ranging between 10 and 17 births per year from 1921 to 1925. However, it began to gain traction in the late 1920s and early 1930s, with the number of annual births peaking at 45 in 1943.
The name reached its highest popularity between 1942 and 1946, with a total of 227 babies named Marilynne during these five years alone. This period also saw the highest single-year total, with 56 births in 1946.
After World War II, the name's popularity began to decline steadily. From 1947 onwards, the annual number of births with the name Marilynne fell below 30, except for a brief spike in the early 1950s (23 births in 1954).
By the late 1960s and early 2000s, the name had largely fallen out of fashion, with only six births recorded in 1968 and five in 2013. This trend suggests that Marilynne is no longer a widely used name in modern times.
Despite its decline in popularity, it's clear that Marilynne was once a popular choice for parents in the United States during the early to mid-20th century. The data shows a fascinating journey of this name through time, from its modest beginnings to its peak popularity and eventual fade from fashion.