Boy · 629th of 6,773
Merlyn
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
5,030
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1930
Peak Popularity Year
159
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Merlyn stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
Merlyn is a Welsh name derived from 'Myrddin', often linked to the legendary wizard Merlin. It is believed to mean 'sea fortress'. The name evolved through historical forms, gaining prominence in the Middle Ages due to Arthurian legends. It embodies traits of wisdom and magic, with no biblical relevance. Today, it carries a mystical image and is associated with notable individuals.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈmɜːrlɪn/
Origin
Welsh
Etymology
The name Merlyn is derived from the Welsh name 'Myrddin', which is associated with the legendary figure Merlin, a wizard in Arthurian legend. The exact meaning of 'Myrddin' is uncertain, but it is often linked to the word 'sea' or 'ocean'.
Meaning
sea fortress
Language Evolution
Myrddin (Welsh), Merlin (French), Merlyn (Modern English)
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in the Middle Ages due to the legend of Merlin, particularly after its use in Geoffrey of Monmouth's writings in the 12th century.
Variants & Derivatives
Merlin, Myrddin
Modern Popularity & Image
Merlyn is often associated with wisdom and magical prowess due to its connection to the legendary wizard Merlin. It has a modern, mystical appeal.
Famous People
Merlyn Mantle, an American baseball player, Merlyn McCoy, a notable figure in literature
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 159 peak births in 1930
Geographic Spread
Popular across 16 US states, with strongest presence in South Dakota
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 14 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 15 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 14 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 905th of 7545 | 913 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 629th of 6773 | 1,713 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 1448th of 7552 | 552 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 4022nd of 10718 | 106 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 10422nd of 16616 | 29 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 13297th of 24088 | 44 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 12339th of 23106 | 47 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 1999th of 9107 | 321 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 1472nd of 9204 | 509 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 3170th of 12526 | 263 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 9044th of 19264 | 58 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 8348th of 27321 | 130 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 7619th of 35406 | 235 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 10456th of 30306 | 110 |