Marlena

Marlena is a form of Marlene with a final -a, used in languages including Polish and English. Marlene developed by combining Maria and Magdalene, linking the name with Mary Magdalene. Maria’s earliest meaning is uncertain, while Magdalene refers to someone from Magdala, so Marlena is best explained through its combined name history rather than a single invented phrase.

The related Marlene gained a major cultural association through actress and singer Marlene Dietrich, whose given names were Maria Magdalene. Marlena carries that wider family connection while remaining its own established form. Lena can provide a shorter everyday name. Parents considering it may appreciate a connection to Mary, Magdalene, or Marlene in their family without using exactly the same spelling or ending.