The name Maren is of Old Norse origin, derived from the Old Norse word "mar," which means "sea" or "lake." The name was particularly popular in Scandinavian countries like Norway, Sweden, and Denmark during the Viking era, which spanned from the late 8th to the late 11th centuries.

The earliest recorded use of the name Maren can be traced back to the 13th century in Norwegian and Danish records. In medieval Scandinavian folklore, Maren was often associated with mermaids and other mythical sea creatures, reflecting its connection to the sea.

One of the earliest known bearers of the name Maren was Maren Spliid (c. 1600-1641), a Danish noblewoman and landowner. She was known for her involvement in a high-profile legal dispute over inheritance rights in the early 17th century.

Another notable figure named Maren was Maren Sørsdatter Bakke (1693-1751), a Norwegian farmer and diarist. Her detailed diaries, which documented daily life in rural Norway in the early 18th century, provided valuable insights into the social and cultural history of the time.

In the 19th century, Maren Michelet (1805-1891), a Norwegian writer and translator, gained recognition for her translations of works by authors like Hans Christian Andersen and William Shakespeare into Norwegian.

The name Maren also appeared in literary works, such as the novel "Maren Greje" by Norwegian author Alexander Kielland (1849-1906), which depicted the life of a young woman in rural Norway in the 19th century.

In more recent history, Maren Haugli (1900-1996), a Norwegian politician and feminist, made significant contributions to the advancement of women's rights in Norway during the 20th century.

While the name Maren has its roots in Scandinavia, it has also gained popularity in other parts of the world, particularly in English-speaking countries, where it is often spelled as "Marin" or "Maren."