Marlaine is a unique and captivating feminine given name of French origin. The name is derived from the Old French word "marle," which means "dark-haired" or "dark-skinned." It was popular during the Middle Ages in France but has since become quite rare.
The name Marlaine is believed to have been used as a personal name by a character in a novel written by French author Anatole France. The character's full name was "Marlaine de Varville," and she appeared in France's 1879 novel "Les Dieux ont soif" (The Gods Are Thirsty). Although there is no record of the name being used before this time, it is possible that it existed as a given name among French families.
Throughout history, Marlaine has been associated with intelligence, creativity, and elegance. Those named Marlaine are often admired for their wit, charm, and sophistication. While not as commonly used today as in centuries past, the name Marlaine remains a beautiful and distinctive choice for parents seeking an uncommon yet meaningful name for their daughter.
In popular culture, there is no widespread association between the name Marlaine and any particular character or figure. However, it has been used sparingly throughout history, such as by French singer Marlène (born Marlaine Dumon) and American actress Marlene Dietrich (whose real name was María Magdalene Dietrich). These individuals have contributed to the enduring allure of the name Marlaine.
In conclusion, Marlaine is a rare and captivating feminine given name with roots in Old French. Its meaning, "dark-haired" or "dark-skinned," adds an air of mystery and intrigue to this beautiful name. While not as commonly used today, Marlaine remains a timeless and elegant choice for parents seeking an uncommon yet meaningful name for their daughter.
Based on the statistics provided, we can observe the popularity of the name Marlaine over time in the United States.
The name Marlaine first appeared in the baby name registry in 1936 with a total of 6 births recorded that year. The following year, the number of births increased to 8. However, there was a decline in popularity in subsequent years, with only 6 births recorded in 1939.
The name Marlaine experienced a resurgence in popularity during World War II, with a significant increase in births recorded between 1942 and 1947. During this period, the highest number of births recorded was in 1946, with 17 newborns named Marlaine.
After the war, the popularity of the name Marlaine continued to fluctuate. Between 1950 and 1965, there were years when the name was relatively popular, such as in 1950 with 24 births recorded, but also years where it was less so, like in 1965 with only 5 births.
The popularity of the name Marlaine continued to decline throughout the latter half of the 20th century. Between 1978 and 1984, there were years where fewer than 10 newborns were named Marlaine each year.
In total, over the course of these years, there were 361 births recorded for the name Marlaine in the United States. While it may not have been one of the most popular names during this period, its steady presence on the baby name registry demonstrates that it has remained a unique and distinctive choice for parents over time.
In conclusion, while the popularity of the name Marlaine has varied throughout history, it remains a recognizable and distinct name with a significant number of births recorded in the United States.