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Merlin

♂ Boy

Pronounced MERR-lihn /ˈmɜɹ.lɪn/Medium

Meaning: ExcrementMedium

In 30 seconds: Merlin is best known from the Arthurian legends as the wizard who guided King Arthur. The bluntly literal meaning recorded for the name is 'excrement', a reflection of how its Latinized form was rendered.
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Origin MediumArthurian Cycle, English
MeaningExcrement
U.S. rank (2024)#2083 ↗ Rising
2024 U.S. births72 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1927
Total births (all-time)≈ 14,987

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 192718852024

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

History & Origin

Merlin belongs to the Arthurian cycle, where it names the famous magician and advisor to Arthur. The literal meaning recorded here is excrement, an unflattering trace of how the name was Latinized by medieval writers. Despite that root, the legendary wizard has carried the name to lasting fame.

The Spanish spelling Merlin with an accent keeps the same legendary association. Real bearers show its modern reach, from Pro Football Hall of Famer Merlin Olsen to Merlin Holland, biographer and the only grandson of Oscar Wilde.

Did you know? The meaning usually attached to Merlin is 'excrement', and that core idea is what gives the name most of its long-term appeal.
Overall data confidence 78%
Behind the Name - Merlin — etymology, usage, pronunciation, and related formsU.S. Social Security Administration — 2024 popularity rank and count supplied in the batch input CSV

Variations

Merlín

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

  • ★Merlin Olsen (1940–2010)
    American Pro Football Hall of Fame defensive tackle and later a broadcaster and actor.
  • ★Merlin Holland (1945–present)
    British biographer and editor, the only grandson of Oscar Wilde.

If you like Merlin…

Arthur— The king Merlin advises in the same Arthurian legends.

Frequently Asked

What does the name Merlin mean?

Merlin is usually explained as meaning 'excrement' and is most often linked with Arthurian Cycle tradition.

How do you pronounce Merlin?

It's commonly said MERR-lihn /ˈmɜɹ.lɪn/.

Is Merlin a boy or girl name?

In this batch and in recent U.S. usage data, Merlin is used as a boy name.

How popular is Merlin?

In 2024, Merlin ranked #2083 in the U.S. for boys, with 72 births recorded.