Clive vs Merlin

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Clive

Boy #2,057 Most Popular 1 Syllable

"one who lives near a steep bank"

Origin: Old English

English British American

✓ All Clear

Boy #2,083 Most Popular 2 Syllables

"sea fortress"

Origin: Brittonic/Welsh

Welsh English French Medieval

✓ All Clear

Clive Rank #2,057

Merlin Rank #2,083

Clive is more popular, ranked #2057 vs #2083 for Merlin.

Is Clive or Merlin more popular?

Clive is more popular, ranked #2057 compared to Merlin at #2083 in the United States.

What do Clive and Merlin mean?

Clive means "one who lives near a steep bank" (Old English origin). Merlin means "sea fortress" (Brittonic/Welsh origin).

Are Clive and Merlin boy or girl names?

Clive is primarily a boy name. Merlin is primarily a boy name.