Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Merlin
UnisexWelsh· “from Welsh Myrddin, possibly sea fort”
- Meaning
- from Welsh Myrddin, possibly sea fort
- Origin
- Welsh
- Pronunciation
- MUR-lihn
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #2,343
- US babies 2025
- 59
- Best rank
- #288 (1927)
- Peak year
- 1927
Meaning and origin of Merlin
Merlin is a Welsh name that is usually said to mean “from Welsh Myrddin, possibly sea fort”.
Merlin comes from Welsh Myrddin, the legendary bard and prophet of early Welsh poetry. The name is usually linked to Caerfyrddin, the Welsh name of Carmarthen, which derives from Roman Moridunum, sea fort, though the connection may be a later folk explanation. Geoffrey of Monmouth latinized it as Merlinus in the twelfth century, and the wizard adviser of King Arthur became one of the best-known figures of medieval romance. The English word merlin, a small falcon, is unrelated but adds a touch of nature. Said MUR-lihn, the name feels storybook and a little whimsical, with a strong literary pedigree.
Popularity over time
Merlin first appears in US Social Security records in 1885. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 76 different years, starting in 1885. Its best national rank was #288 in 1927, the same year it reached its highest count of 389 babies. In 2025, 59 babies were named Merlin, and it ranked #2,343 nationally. That is 69% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #328 in 1920, #507 in 1950, #1,368 in 1980, #2,162 in 2000, #4,194 in 2010, and #2,343 in 2025. Of the 15,049 US boys named Merlin since records began, 22% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1930s come next, with 2,963 babies. Since 2010, 769 more have been named Merlin.
Other babies' names that peaked around the same time include Lupe and Jules.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Merlin ranked highest in Indiana, Tennessee, and Texas.
Gender, sound and spelling
Merlin is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 24% of US babies named Merlin were girls and 76% were boys.
Merlin is usually pronounced MUR-lihn, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with M and ends in “-in”.
Middle names for Merlin
A few middle names that flow with Merlin: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Merlin
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Lists that include Merlin
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Merlin mean?
Merlin is a Welsh name that is usually said to mean “from Welsh Myrddin, possibly sea fort”.
What is the origin of the name Merlin?
Merlin has Welsh roots. Merlin comes from Welsh Myrddin, the legendary bard and prophet of early Welsh poetry.
Is Merlin a popular name?
Not especially. Merlin ranked #2,343 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Merlin a boy or girl name?
Merlin is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 24% of US babies named Merlin were girls and 76% were boys.
How do you pronounce Merlin?
Merlin is usually pronounced MUR-lihn. 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