Merlin
Merlin: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈmɝlɪn/ · /ˈmɜːlɪn/
Meaning and origin of Merlin
Root meaning: “sea”
- A male given name.
Etymology
From Middle English Merlyn, from Medieval Latin Merlinus and Old French Merlin, from Proto-Brythonic *Mor-ðin (literally “sea-hill”), from Proto-Celtic *mori (“sea”) + *dūnom (“stronghold, rampart”).
How popular is Merlin?
Since 1880, 919 girls and 15,049 boys in the U.S. have been named Merlin (6% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #1608 in 1901. Its highest rank for boys was #288 in 1927. In 2025, 73 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Names similar to Merlin
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More English boy names
Sibling name ideas for Merlin
Sister and brother names that share Merlin's English roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Merlin FAQ
What does the name Merlin mean?
Merlin traces back to a root meaning "sea". A male given name. From Middle English Merlyn, from Medieval Latin Merlinus and Old French Merlin, from Proto-Brythonic *Mor-ðin (literally “sea-hill”), from Proto-Celtic *mori (“sea”) + *dūnom (“stronghold, rampart”).
What is the origin of the name Merlin?
Merlin is listed as a name of English origin.
How popular is the name Merlin?
Since 1880, 919 girls and 15,049 boys in the U.S. have been named Merlin (6% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #1608 in 1901. Its highest rank for boys was #288 in 1927. In 2025, 73 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Is Merlin a boy or girl name?
Merlin is mostly a boy name in the U.S.: 919 girls and 15,049 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.