Merlin
Pronunciation: [ m-ERL-ihn ]
Does Merlin flow with your last name?
A distinctive girl name with a rare, memorable quality.
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Merlin
7 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
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Browse nicknames →Historical Record
Merlin first appeared in US Social Security records in 1952.
Over 588 babies have been named Merlin in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Merlin is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #8,673 for girl names in the US .
Popularity Over Time
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
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See all →"living, vibrant"
"beautiful order; beautiful reason"
"gentle girl, gentle woman"
"to harvest, summer"
"guardian, protector"
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Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Popularity Rank
- #8,673
- Total SSA Count
- 13
Nicknames
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Merlin is also used as a boy name, ranked #2083.
View Merlin as a boy name →Similar Names
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Names You Might Also Like
View all →Latin origin
"living, vibrant"
#8,709 in US
Japanese origin
"beautiful order; beautiful reason"
#8,767 in US
Greek origin
"gentle girl, gentle woman"
#8,716 in US
Greek origin
"to harvest, summer"
#8,665 in US
Hebrew origin
"guardian, protector"
#8,562 in US
Old High German Karl via Charlotte origin
"free woman, strong"
#8,691 in US
Hawaiian origin
"Jasmine flower"
#8,605 in US
Save Your Name Card
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Frequently Asked Questions About Merlin
Is Merlin a boy or girl name?
How do you pronounce Merlin?
How popular is the name Merlin?
What are common nicknames for Merlin?
Is Merlin a common or rare name?
About the Name Merlin
Merlin is a girl name .
Is Merlin a boy or girl name? Merlin is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #8,673 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #2,083. Merlin is more commonly used as a boy name.
Merlin is currently ranked #8,673 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
Common nicknames for Merlin include Mer, Merl, Merly, Merlie, Mey, Meie, and Merkins. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Keep Exploring
Recommended for Parents
Start a registry
Free welcome box on Amazon
Baby Name Wizard
Names that actually age well
Nursery name sign
Personalized wooden letters
We may earn a commission from these links.
Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis