The name Marlana is a feminine name with origins rooted in various cultures and languages. It is believed to be a blend of the names Maria and Lana, with Maria being a Hebrew name meaning "beloved" or "wished-for child," and Lana possibly derived from the Latin word "lana," meaning "wool."

One of the earliest recorded references to the name Marlana can be found in the 16th century, when it was used as a variant of the name Mariana. In Italy, during the Renaissance period, there were several notable individuals named Marlana, including Marlana Garzoni (1573-1670), an Italian painter and engraver known for her still-life paintings.

In the 17th century, the name Marlana gained popularity in parts of Europe, particularly in Spain and Portugal. One notable figure from this era was Marlana de Jesús Torres y Ayala (1616-1649), a Spanish mystic and writer who is revered as a saint in the Catholic Church.

As the name spread across different regions, it underwent various spelling variations, such as Marlena and Marlene. In the 19th century, a famous bearer of the name was Marlana Dietrich (1901-1992), a German-American actress and singer who rose to prominence during the Golden Age of Hollywood.

Another notable figure with the name Marlana was Marlana Puau (1932-2008), a Hawaiian activist and advocate for Native Hawaiian rights. She played a significant role in the Hawaiian Renaissance movement and worked tirelessly to preserve and promote Hawaiian culture and language.

In more recent times, the name Marlana has been embraced by various cultures and communities around the world. Some notable individuals include Marlana Janjic (born 1984), a Serbian tennis player who has competed in numerous Grand Slam tournaments, and Marlana Khoshnoudi (born 1981), an Iranian-American writer and journalist.