Marvin vs Theodore

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Marvin

Boy #672 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"sea fortress, sea friend"

Origin: Old Welsh Mervyn

Cultural Roots

English American Welsh

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#672
Total SSA Count
406
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Marv

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Marvin →

Popularity Comparison

Marvin Rank #672
Theodore Rank #4

Theodore is more popular, ranked #4 vs #672 for Marvin.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Marvin ___

  • Marvin James
  • Marvin Lee
  • Marvin Earl
  • Marvin Wayne
  • Marvin Ray
  • Marvin Dale

Theodore ___

  • Theodore James
  • Theodore William
  • Theodore Alexander
  • Theodore John
  • Theodore Henry
  • Theodore Arthur

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Marvin

Harold Leonard Raymond Gloria Shirley

If you choose Theodore

Olivia Charlotte Amelia Eleanor Oliver

Which Name Fits Your Family?

Answer 3 quick questions and we'll help you decide.

1. Which style feels more like your family?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Marvin or Theodore more popular?

Theodore is more popular, ranked #4 compared to Marvin at #672 in the United States.

What do Marvin and Theodore mean?

Marvin means "sea fortress, sea friend" (Old Welsh Mervyn origin). Theodore means "divine gift" (Greek origin).

Are Marvin and Theodore boy or girl names?

Marvin is primarily a boy name. Theodore is primarily a boy name.

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← Full profile: Marvin ← Full profile: Theodore Browse all baby names