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Merlin

“Sea hill, from Celtic words for sea and stronghold” — Celtic via Old French origin

Boy's name · #2343 in the US (2025) · Timeless

Few names move less than Merlin — on the books since 1885, #2343 in 2025, and dependable in between. Roughly 15,000 boys share it.

Around the world: about 1 in 2,600 boys in Switzerland (2024) · about 1 in 3,200 boys in Belgium (2025) · about 1 in 4,800 boys in Austria (2025).

Appears in 2020-2025 birth records of 5 states. See the full state-by-state map on this page.

Famous Merlins

• Merlin Olsen — American football player and actor (1940-2010)
• Merlin Hummel — German hammer thrower
• Merlin Holland — British writer
• Merlin Santana — American actor (1976–2002)
• Merlin Tandjigora — Gabonese footballer

In stories & tradition

• Merlin — Arthurian romance · Unidentified Flying Oddball
• Merlin of Amber — The Chronicles of Amber
• Merlin the Magic Mouse — Looney Tunes

What Merlins become

Among 127 notable people named Merlin:

No single standout — notable Merlins spread across many fields.

Similar names: Marlin · Clement · Mervin · Carmen · Orrin · Ervin

Browse more boy names — popularity, trends and eras for 5,700+ American names, free.

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