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Marlin
Pronounced MAHR-lihn /ˈmɑɹ.lɪn/Medium
Meaning: ExcrementMedium
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.
History & Origin
The listed meaning here is 'excrement', an honest but unflattering gloss tied to this English form. Many parents simply hear it as a sturdy, familiar name rather than thinking of that root. It has no recorded variations on file.
One notable bearer is Marlin Briscoe (1945–2022), who in 1968 became the first Black starting quarterback in the modern professional game and later won a Super Bowl as a wide receiver. His story has done a lot to give the name a positive, real-world association.
Variations
Nicknames
Famous Bearers
- ★Marlin Briscoe (1945-2022)American football quarterback who in 1968 became the first Black starting quarterback in the modern professional game (AFL); later a Super Bowl-winning wide receiver and College Football Hall of Fame inductee.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Marlin mean?
Marlin is usually explained as meaning 'excrement' and is most often linked with English tradition.
How do you pronounce Marlin?
It's commonly said MAHR-lihn /ˈmɑɹ.lɪn/.
Is Marlin a boy or girl name?
In this batch and in recent U.S. usage data, Marlin is used as a boy name.
How popular is Marlin?
In 2024, Marlin ranked #1940 in the U.S. for boys, with 81 births recorded.