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.
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.
