Tools / Baby names / M
Merlin
BoyMeaning of Merlin: Welsh: 'sea fortress'
Merlin is a boy's name most strongly associated with Welsh naming. It has 6 letters and 2 syllables, and it is familiar but far from overused — 2020th most popular boys' name in the United States in 2025 and 1517th in England & Wales.
US rank 2025
#2020
73 babies in 2025
England & Wales 2024
#1517
17 babies in 2024
US babies since 1880
15,968
First recorded 1885 · peak 1927
Trend
stable
Style: uncommon
Popularity over time
Gender split
94% boys · 6% girls, based on US, UK and international usage.
Origins & cultures
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