Merlin

Merlin - A very unique male name

Merlin appeared on the charts for the first time in 1912 on position #479. In this article you'll learn the history of this name, statistics, see famous people named Merlin and more.
Are you having a baby or looking to learn more about the name Merlin? Our experts and editorial staff have gathered trends and insights for 30,000+ baby names over the last 100 years -- And on this page you will learn everything you ever wanted to know about the name Merlin. The baby boy name Merlin was given to 19 baby boys in 2025, ranking #2496 on the national boy baby name top chart.


With that position 1 in 77,173 baby boys were given this name - making this a very unique male name according to our Popularity Score algorithm. Merlin peaked in popularity 99 years ago in 1927 on position 283.

Famous with this name

How would you rate Merlin, 1-5?

Merlin is currently topping the charts in...

Did you know that popularity can vary a lot between states? Merlin is currently topping the baby name charts in Indiana at position #819 - and is the least popular in Texas at position #2,469.

Why care about state specific baby name charts? It could be that a name that is very popular on the national overall charts is less (or even more) popular where you live. So make sure you check out the state specific charts below and find out how popular or unique Merlin is where you live.

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Merlin origin and meaning

Welsh — exact derivation disputed

Uncertain — from Welsh Myrddin, whose own origin is disputed

Merlin is the wizard of Arthurian legend, his name adapted from the Welsh Myrddin through Geoffrey of Monmouth's Latin Merlinus. The Welsh name's own derivation is disputed, so no single meaning can be stated as fact. As a given name it peaked in 1927 and lingers at a low level.

Origin uncertain

Merlin is a 6 letter name with 2 syllables.

To see famous people named Merlin, pop culture references for the name Merlin and nicknames & variations - visit Nameberry or Wikipedia.

Similar to Merlin

We've found the following names that sound similar to Merlin, sorted by popularity.

Marlon / Marlin / Merlyn / Marlyn / Marland / Marilyn / Maryland / Marlan / Marlen / Marlene /

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Name statistics

Most parents-to-be know if they want a popular or unique name, and with these charts and data tables you can easily get a better understanding of how popular or unique this name is.

With a quick glance you can easily tell if this name is increasing or declining in popularity - But note that its current popularity can actually differ a lot from state to state.

Chart position per year (visualized)

Chart position per state (visualized)

Chart position per year (table view)

Chart position per state (table view)

Even more about Merlin

These are some of the common questions you may want to have answered to know if this is the perfect name for your baby.

Is Merlin a common or unique name?

By analyzing the number of births and frequency of this name we've determined that it's currently a very unique male name.

What is the number of syllables for the name Merlin?

2 syllables. Why is this important? One of the things that makes a baby name sound good and have a nice rythm is the number of syllables - and especially the number of syllables along with the syllable count for your last name. A simple rule is to avoid having the same number of syllables in your first, middle and last name.

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Pronunciation

MER-lin · /ˈmɜrlɪn/

Around the world

No traditional forms in other languages — this name was created in America in our own time.

Spellings and nicknames

• Marlin — Similar spelling, a different name
• Merlyn — Occasional variant spelling

Famous bearers

• Merlin — Wizard and adviser to King Arthur in Arthurian legend (Fictional, medieval legend) Fictional

Style

LiteraryMythological

Why parents choose it

Merlin is chosen for pure story — magical, bookish and unmistakable.

Worth knowing

• The wizard association is total; every Merlin will be asked about magic.