The name Marleen is a variant of the French name Marlene, which is derived from the Germanic name Marilena. The name Marilena is a combination of the Germanic elements "mari" meaning "bitter" or "beloved" and "lena" meaning "little woman" or "tender."

The name Marleen gained popularity in the early 20th century, particularly in France and other European countries. It is thought to have been inspired by the renowned German actress and singer Marlene Dietrich, who was born in 1901 and was known for her iconic roles in films such as The Blue Angel and Morocco.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Marleen can be found in the French novel "Gervaise" by Émile Zola, published in 1877. The novel features a character named Marleen, although it is not clear if this was the inspiration for the name's rise in popularity.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Marleen. One such person was Marleen Gorris, a Dutch film director and screenwriter born in 1948. She is best known for her 1995 film "Antonia's Line," which won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

Another notable Marleen was Marleen de Croy, a 16th-century noblewoman from the Netherlands who played a significant role in the political and religious conflicts of her time. She lived from 1505 to 1580.

In the realm of literature, Marleen Haushofer was an Austrian writer and novelist born in 1920. Her most famous work, "The Wall," published in 1963, is a post-apocalyptic novel that explores themes of isolation and survival.

Marleen Renders, a Belgian singer and actress born in 1952, gained popularity in the 1970s and 1980s for her roles in various television shows and musicals.

Lastly, Marleen Lohse was a German actress and singer born in 1965, known for her appearances in numerous German television series and films throughout the late 20th and early 21st centuries.