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Merlyn
UnisexMeaning of Merlyn: Welsh: 'sea fortress'
Merlyn is a unisex name most strongly associated with Welsh naming. It has 6 letters and 2 syllables, and it is a genuinely rare and unique choice — 6346th most popular name in the United States in 2025.
US rank 2025
#6346
13 babies in 2025
England & Wales 2024
—
Fewer than 3 babies or unlisted
US babies since 1880
5,045
First recorded 1908 · peak 1930
Trend
stable
Style: rare
Popularity over time
Gender split
68% boys · 32% girls, based on US, UK and international usage.
Origins & cultures
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Other names starting with M
Hebrew · 2 syllables
US #21UK #85
Italian · 1 syllable
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Arabic & Persian · 3 syllables
US #249UK #1
Indian · 1 syllable
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Russian · 2 syllables
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English · 2 syllables
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Latin · 1 syllable
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Hebrew · 2 syllables
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Irish · 1 syllable
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French · 2 syllables
US #106UK #28