gender neutral
Merlin
sea fortress, falcon
About Merlin
Enchanting and imaginative, Merlin captures the spirit of creativity and wisdom in four melodious syllables. This name appeals to parents who value intellectual curiosity and artistic expression, offering their child a name that sparks interest and conversation. Unlike more conventional choices, Merlin carries literary and mythological associations that add depth and character without overwhelming its contemporary usability. The name works surprisingly well in modern contexts, balancing its storied past with present-day practicality. Children named Merlin often embrace their name's uniqueness, finding it empowers them to think differently and pursue unconventional paths.
The soft 'r' and 'l' sounds create a gentle quality that contradicts any perception of pretension, making it approachable despite its legendary connections. Merlin offers excellent nickname potential while standing strong on its own, adaptable to various personality types and life paths. For families seeking something beyond the ordinary yet grounded in recognizable tradition, this name delivers exceptional appeal.
Popularity of the Name Merlin
Rank among the 1,000 most popular baby names, by year.
| United States | United Kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| 1885 | #897 | |
| 1887 | #722 | |
| 1891 | #918 | |
| 1895 | #729 | |
| 1898 | #956 | |
| 1899 | #836 | |
| 1901 | #913 | |
| 1902 | #603 | |
| 1903 | #823 | |
| 1904 | #635 | |
| 1905 | #825 | |
| 1906 | #739 | |
| 1907 | #528 | |
| 1908 | #446 | |
| 1909 | #604 | |
| 1910 | #612 | |
| 1911 | #519 | |
| 1912 | #454 | |
| 1913 | #470 | |
| 1914 | #426 | |
| 1915 | #402 | |
| 1916 | #369 | |
| 1917 | #369 | |
| 1918 | #355 | |
| 1919 | #365 | |
| 1920 | #328 | |
| 1921 | #315 | |
| 1922 | #316 | |
| 1923 | #366 | |
| 1924 | #312 | |
| 1925 | #307 | |
| 1926 | #296 | |
| 1927 | #288 | |
| 1928 | #320 | |
| 1929 | #305 | |
| 1930 | #311 | |
| 1931 | #291 | |
| 1932 | #309 | |
| 1933 | #307 | |
| 1934 | #323 | |
| 1935 | #310 | |
| 1936 | #329 | |
| 1937 | #339 | |
| 1938 | #332 | |
| 1939 | #359 | |
| 1940 | #364 | |
| 1941 | #364 | |
| 1942 | #419 | |
| 1943 | #375 | |
| 1944 | #420 | |
| 1945 | #437 | |
| 1946 | #442 | |
| 1947 | #530 | |
| 1948 | #533 | |
| 1949 | #544 | |
| 1950 | #506 | |
| 1951 | #513 | |
| 1952 | #561 | |
| 1953 | #567 | |
| 1954 | #601 | |
| 1955 | #557 | |
| 1956 | #621 | |
| 1957 | #635 | |
| 1958 | #616 | |
| 1959 | #668 | |
| 1960 | #754 | |
| 1961 | #737 | |
| 1962 | #776 | |
| 1963 | #750 | |
| 1964 | #777 | |
| 1965 | #824 | |
| 1966 | #782 | |
| 1967 | #838 | |
| 1968 | #895 | |
| 1969 | #891 | |
| 1972 | #966 | |
| 2001 | #853 |
Top names by country: United States · United Kingdom
Variations of Name Merlin
Names Similar to Merlin
Nicknames for Merlin
- Mer
- Lin
- Merl
- M
Famous People Named Merlin
| Merlin Olsen | American football player and actor |
| Merlin Santana | American actor |
| Merlin Griffiths | British bartender and television personality |
| Merlin E. Lord | American sculptor |
| Merlin Stone | American author and artist |
| Merlin Thomas | Australian researcher |
| Merlin Hay, 24th Earl of Erroll | Scottish peer |
| Merlin Hanbury-Tracy, 7th Baron Sudeley | British peer |
| Merlin Entertainments | founder of entertainment company |
| Merlin German | U.S. Marine Corps sergeant and motivational speaker |
Characters Named Merlin
| Merlin Ambrosius | BBC TV series "Merlin" |
| Merlin Sylwan | Swedish detective novel character |
| Merlin Calzaghe | Welsh boxer in "Tintin" comics |
| Merlin Mann | character in "A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court" |
| Merlin Perkins | character in "Arthur and the Invisibles" series |
| Merlin Missions | character in "Magic Tree House" book series |