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Home › Baby Names Directory › Marlin

Marlin

♀ Girl

Pronounced MAR-lin /ˈmɑr.lɪn/High

Meaning: Variously a form of Marlon ('a little hawk/falcon', English) and Marina/Marlene ('of the sea'); also the marlin fish; used for both sexes; routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: A little hawk; of the sea: Marlin is English/Latin. Crisp, modern, and warm. Used for both sexes.
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Origin LowEnglish, Latin
MeaningVariously a form of Marlon ('a little hawk/falcon', English) and Marina/Marlene ('of the sea'); also the marlin fish; used for both sexes; routes layered
U.S. rank (2024)#9967 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births10 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1991
Total births (all-time)≈ 1,647

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 199119152024

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Marlin comes variously from a form of Marlon ('a little hawk/falcon', English) and Marina/Marlene ('of the sea'); also the marlin fish; used for both sexes (routes layered, which we note). A crisp, modern name (here for a girl; slug distinguished; said 'MAR-lin').

In the U.S. Marlin leans boys' but is used for girls too (via Marlene). Rare for a girl, a-little-hawk at the root, and crisp.

Did you know? Marlin is variously 'a little hawk' (Marlon) and 'of the sea' (Marina/Marlene) — also the marlin fish — used for both sexes (here for a girl, which we note; said 'MAR-lin').
Overall data confidence 24%
References — Marlin — English/Latin; unisex; routes layered

Variations

MarlynMarleneMarlon

Nicknames

Mar

Famous Bearers

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If you like Marlin…

Marlene— a source-linked girls' name
Marlyn— a kin spelling
Marina— a fellow 'of the sea' girls' name
Jaylin— echoes that soft -in sound
Devin— another unisex pick

Explore names like Marlin

By themeuncertainenglishlatinunisex
By meaningSea / WaterBird

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Marlin mean?

Marlin is variously 'a little hawk' (Marlon) and 'of the sea' (Marina/Marlene); also the marlin fish; used for both sexes; here for a girl. The routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Marlin?

It's said MAR-lin /ˈmɑr.lɪn/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Marlin a boy or girl name?

Marlin is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a girl's name.

How popular is Marlin?

Marlin is a very rare girls' name in the U.S.

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