Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Marvin
BoyWelsh, English· “uncertain; possibly famous friend”
- Meaning
- uncertain; possibly famous friend (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Welsh, English
- Pronunciation
- MAHR-vihn
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #699
- US babies 2025
- 385
- Best rank
- #44 (1933)
- Peak year
- 1928
Meaning and origin of Marvin
Marvin is often said to mean “uncertain; possibly famous friend”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Welsh and English roots.
The origin of Marvin is debated. It may come from the Welsh name Merfyn, borne by Merfyn Frych, a ninth-century king of Gwynedd, whose meaning is uncertain. It has also been linked to Old English names such as Mærwine, "famous friend". Marvin became a common given name in the United States in the early twentieth century. The soul singer Marvin Gaye and the composer Marvin Hamlisch are among its well-known bearers. Today the name has a warm, vintage feel that some parents find ready for a revival. Marv is the usual nickname, and Mervyn is a related form common in Britain.
Popularity over time
Marvin has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 146 different years. Its best national rank was #44 in 1933, and the most babies received it in 1928, when 4,452 were named Marvin. In 2025, 385 babies were named Marvin, and it ranked #699 nationally. That is 26% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #62 in 1920, #93 in 1950, #199 in 1980, #336 in 2000, #431 in 2010, and #699 in 2025. Of the 254,192 US boys named Marvin since records began, 16% were born in the 1930s, its biggest decade. The 1920s come next, with 39,589 babies. Since 2010, 8,004 more have been named Marvin.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Melvin, Norman, Alvin, Alfred, and Rudolph.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Marvin ranked highest in Wisconsin, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | #294 | 20 |
| Maryland | #383 | 14 |
| Pennsylvania | #448 | 23 |
| Minnesota | #469 | 12 |
| Virginia | #470 | 17 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Marvin is usually pronounced MAHR-vihn, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with M and ends in “-in”.
Middle names for Marvin
A few middle names that flow with Marvin: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Marvin
Similar names
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Lists that include Marvin
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Marvin mean?
Marvin is often said to mean “uncertain; possibly famous friend”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Welsh and English roots.
What is the origin of the name Marvin?
Marvin has Welsh and English roots. The origin of Marvin is debated.
Is Marvin a popular name?
Yes. Marvin ranked #699 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Marvin a boy or girl name?
Marvin is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Marvin?
Marvin is usually pronounced MAHR-vihn. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings