I never specially thought of
Marlene as dated or old. Would it really be criticised all the time? I quite like it.
You're right that it is a bit sophisticated for a little girl, but
Molly is an adorable nickname. Myself, I prefer
Lena, but none can deny that
Molly is cute.
If it was a middle name there would be no occasion to shorten it at all, though.
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Sol Santiago,
Indigo Makaio, Aila
Celandine and Saska
Rose