Boy name · Welsh

Merlin

“Sea fortress”

Meaning
Sea fortress
Origin
Welsh
Gender
Boy
Syllables
2
Popularity
Rare in the US
Style
Fun & quirky
Used in
English-speaking countries, German

What people expect from a Merlin

Merlin is built from soft sounds. Studies of name sounds find people expect someone with a soft name to be warm, agreeable and calm. Being rare in the US, it stands out, and will be spelt back to you a few times.

The meaning is about wisdom. A name can't give a child wisdom, but it's a nice thing to explain to them one day.

A good fit if you hope for: a brilliant mind, a rebel.

Names set expectations, not personalities. What the research says.

Merlin: name scorecard

Save your future kid some trouble: give them a name they can live and grow with.

97/100

Great choice

Merlin

  • International readabilitySimple letters that read the same almost everywhere.
  • Easy to say and spellSays itself: 2 syllables, spelt how it sounds.
  • Not too common, not too strangeRare in the US: memorable, and it will be spelt out a lot.
  • Playground-proofNo obvious rude words or rhymes. Kids are creative, though.
  • Won't get you sued (or refused)Nothing a registrar would object to in most countries.
  • A meaning to be proud ofMeans "Sea fortress".
Advertisement

Names with a similar meaning

DanielHudsonAveryQuinnHugoAtticusBodhiSimonSolomonRaymond

More Welsh names

OwenDylanRhysMorgan

Did you know?

Of the 12 people who have walked on the Moon, two were named Charles and two were named Alan.

NASA Apollo records

Questions about Merlin

What does the name Merlin mean?

Merlin is a boy's name of Welsh origin meaning "Sea fortress".

Is Merlin a boy or girl name?

Merlin is usually a boy's name.

How popular is the name Merlin?

Merlin is rare in the US. It is used in English-speaking countries, German.

Fun, but true. Name meanings come from common etymologies, which sometimes disagree. Height and weight paths are estimates from population growth data and published studies, not a medical assessment. If you're worried about your child's growth, talk to your paediatrician. Full disclaimer