Nigel vs Merlin

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Nigel

Boy #2,190 Most Popular 2 Syllables

"champion (from Old Irish Niall)"

Origin: Old Irish via Norman Latin

English British Australian Irish

✓ All Clear

Boy #2,083 Most Popular 2 Syllables

"sea fortress"

Origin: Brittonic/Welsh

Welsh English French Medieval

✓ All Clear

Nigel Rank #2,190

Merlin Rank #2,083

Merlin is more popular, ranked #2083 vs #2190 for Nigel.

Is Nigel or Merlin more popular?

Merlin is more popular, ranked #2083 compared to Nigel at #2190 in the United States.

What do Nigel and Merlin mean?

Nigel means "champion (from Old Irish Niall)" (Old Irish via Norman Latin origin). Merlin means "sea fortress" (Brittonic/Welsh origin).

Are Nigel and Merlin boy or girl names?

Nigel is primarily a boy name. Merlin is primarily a boy name.