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Home › Baby Names Directory › Mervin

Mervin

♂ Boy

Pronounced MER-vin /ˈmɜːr.vɪn/High

Meaning: Sea fortress; great lord; a variant of Marvin or Mervyn, from Welsh Myrddin (sea fortress) or Old Welsh Mer (sea) + vyn (great, prominent)Medium

In 30 seconds: A variant of Mervyn/Marvin meaning 'sea fortress' or 'great lord' from Welsh Myrddin — the legendary figure whose name may have inspired the wizard Merlin. A mid-century name with quiet Welsh heritage.
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Origin MediumWelsh, Germanic
MeaningSea fortress; great lord; a variant of Marvin or Mervyn, from Welsh Myrddin (sea fortress) or Old Welsh Mer (sea) + vyn (great, prominent)
U.S. rank (2025)#2377 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births58 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1920
Total births (all-time)≈ 12,317

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 192018802025

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

Mervin is a variant of Mervyn/Marvin, from Welsh Myrddin (possibly sea fortress, or great lord). The Welsh Myrddin was a legendary bard and prophet who may have inspired Merlin. The English form Mervin has been used since the medieval period.

Mervin peaked in the U.S. in the mid-20th century. Its 2024 ranking of #2408 reflects very modest use as a vintage choice.

Did you know? The Welsh name Myrddin (the root of Mervyn/Mervin) is believed to be one source for the wizard Merlin of Arthurian legend — Geoffrey of Monmouth translated the Welsh Myrddin into Latin Merlinus to avoid unfortunate associations with the French word for a type of excrement.
Overall data confidence 80%
Behind the Name — Mervyn — Welsh etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

MervynMarvin

Nicknames

Merv

Famous Bearers

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If you like Mervin…

Marvin— the Mar- spelling variant of the same name
Erwin— two-syllable -in ending Germanic name in the same mid-century register
Alvin— two-syllable -in ending name with the same vintage character
Rustin— lands in the same popularity range
Selvin— shares the -in ending

Explore names like Mervin

By themetwo-syllablevintagegermanicwelsh
By meaningSea / Water

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Mervin mean?

Mervin means 'sea fortress' or 'great lord,' a variant of Mervyn, from Welsh Myrddin — a name possibly connected to the wizard Merlin.

How do you pronounce Mervin?

It's said MER-vin /ˈmɜːr.vɪn/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Mervin a boy or girl name?

Mervin is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Mervin?

Mervin ranked #2408 for U.S. boys in 2024.

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