The name Marilyn is derived from the ancient Hebrew name Myrrhine, which means "bitter" or "beloved of the sea." It has its roots in the Greek word "myrrh," a resinous substance used in perfumes and incense. The name gained popularity in the Middle Ages, particularly in the form of "Marylin" or "Marilyn."

In the 13th century, the name Marilyn appeared in various European records, such as the Domesday Book of England. It was often used as a variant of the more common name "Mary," reflecting a devotion to the Virgin Mary in Christian tradition.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Marilyn can be found in the writings of the Medieval English poet Geoffrey Chaucer, who mentioned a character called "Marilyn" in his famous work, "The Canterbury Tales," written in the late 14th century.

Throughout history, several notable women have borne the name Marilyn. One of the most famous was Marilyn Monroe (1926-1962), the iconic American actress, model, and singer who became a major cultural icon of the 20th century.

Another well-known Marilyn was Marilyn Quayle (born 1949), the wife of former United States Vice President Dan Quayle, who served under President George H.W. Bush from 1989 to 1993.

In the literary world, Marilyn French (1929-2009) was an American writer and feminist, best known for her debut novel "The Women's Room," which became a significant work in the feminist movement of the 1970s.

Marilyn Manson (born 1969), the American singer-songwriter and founder of the band of the same name, is also a notable bearer of the name, though it is his stage moniker rather than his birth name.

Lastly, Marilyn Bergman (1928-2022) was an American composer and lyricist who, together with her husband Alan Bergman, wrote numerous popular songs for film, television, and stage, earning multiple Academy Awards and Emmy Awards throughout her career.