| Meaning | sea fortress |
| Origin | English, French, Latin |
| Gender | gender neutral |
| Opposite gender | Marlin |
| Popularity | Moderate |
| Length | 6 |
| Syllables | 2 |
| Syllabification | Mar-lin |
Distinctive without being difficult, Marlin brings aquatic grace to the world of names. This choice combines natural imagery with practical functionality, creating something both evocative and grounded. The name carries a certain quiet strength, reminiscent of its oceanic namesake's power and determination. Marlin works across cultural contexts while maintaining its unique character, rarely shared by classmates yet never requiring explanation. The two-syllable structure balances well, providing enough substance without becoming cumbersome. This name suits parents who appreciate nature-inspired choices without venturing into overly obvious territory. Marlin ages remarkably well, fitting a curious toddler as comfortably as an accomplished professional. The slightly vintage quality adds character without feeling dated, suggesting timelessness rather than trendiness. It offers an alternative to common nature names while delivering similar appeal. Marlin's rarity becomes an advantage, ensuring your son a distinctive identity while maintaining complete accessibility. The name suggests someone steady and capable, qualities that serve well throughout life's various challenges and achievements.
| Marlyn |
| Marlen |
| Marlon |
| Marlinn |
| Marlynn |
| Marlenn |
| Marlonn |
| Maarlin |
| Mar |
| Lin |
| Marley |
| Marly |
| Marty |
| Marlin Briscoe | Former American football quarterback |
| Marlin Fitzwater | Former White House Press Secretary |
| Marlin Perkins | American zoologist and television host |
| Marlin McKeever | Former American football player and coach |
| Marlin Stutzman | American politician |
| Marlin Musgrave | Former NASA astronaut |
| Marlin Barnes | Former American football player |
| Marlin Jackson | American entrepreneur and investor |
| Marlin Artreallius | Filmmaker and director |
| Marlin Shoop | Scientist and researcher |
| Marlin K. Jensen | Religious leader and historian |
| Marlin VanElderen | Business executive |
| Marlin Matus | Author and journalist |
| Marlin H. Creasy | World War II veteran |
| Marlin N. Gusman | Lawyer and public official |
| Marlin Hurt | Visual artist and sculptor |
| Marlin Levison | Photographer and journalist |
| Marlin Gray | Inventor and engineer |
| Marlin Spike | A character from "The Adventures of Tintin" comic series |
| Marlin the Magician | A character from the children's book "Marlin the Magician" by Judy Horacek |
| Marlin the Wizard | A character from the "Dungeons & Dragons" role-playing game |
| Marlin Mayers | A character from the TV series "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" |
| Marlin Dupree | A character from the movie "The Proposal" |
| Marlin Trout | A character from the TV series "The Mentalist" |
| Marlin Kemp | A character from the TV series "Friday Night Lights" |
| Marlin Slugworth | A character from the movie "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory" |
| Marlin Spinwell | A character from the book "Marlin Spinwell and the Dragon" by Tim Winton |
| Marlin Blackwood | A character from the TV series "Dawson's Creek" |
| Marlin Harper | A character from the TV series "Tales from the Darkside" |
| Marlin Cula | A character from the book "A World Without Princes" by Soman Chainani |
| Marlin D. Wizard | A character from the video game "The Legendary Starfy" |
| Marlin Prowers | A character from the TV series "The Young Riders" |
| Marlin Potts | A character from the TV series "Coronation Street" |
| Marlin Sharp | A character from the TV series "Farscape" |
| Marlin Hammer | A character from the movie "Street Kings" |
| Marlin Borden | A character from the TV series "Boardwalk Empire" |
| Marlin Chisholm | A character from the book "When You Reach Me" by Rebecca Stead |