Marlin is a unique and distinctive given name of French origin. It is derived from the French word "marlin," which refers to a type of marlin fish. The marlin fish is known for its size, strength, and beauty, making it a fitting namesake.
The name Marlin has been used as a given name in France for centuries, but it gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the 19th century. It was often chosen by parents who wanted to give their children a strong, powerful, and memorable name that would set them apart from others with more common names.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Marlin. One of the most famous is Samuel L. Marlin, who served as the governor of Alabama in the late 19th century. Another notable figure is Thomas Marlin, a prominent American politician and lawyer who served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives during the mid-20th century.
Today, Marlin remains a relatively rare given name, but it continues to be chosen by parents who want to give their children a distinctive and meaningful name with a rich history. Its unique origin and association with strength and beauty make it an attractive choice for parents looking for something different and special for their child.
The name Marlin has been present in the United States for over a century, with the first recorded birth occurring in 1884. However, it was not until the early 1900s that the name began to gain traction, with only a handful of births each year between 1884 and 1902.
In 1903, there were seven births with the name Marlin, marking a significant increase from previous years. This trend continued through the early 1900s, with peaks in 1904 (sixteen births) and 1908 (nineteen births). However, it was not until World War I that the name truly began to rise in popularity.
During the war years of 1914 to 1918, there were a total of 527 births with the name Marlin, averaging around 131 births per year. This represents a significant increase from previous decades and suggests that the name was becoming more popular among American parents.
The popularity of the name Marlin continued to grow throughout the early to mid-20th century, reaching its peak in 1928 with 280 births. This trend held steady through the 1930s and 1940s, with an average of around 300 births per year during this period.
However, following World War II, the popularity of the name Marlin began to decline. By the late 1950s and early 1960s, there were fewer than 250 births per year with the name. This trend continued throughout the remainder of the century, with an average of around 150 births per year from 1970 to 2000.
In recent years, the popularity of the name Marlin has continued to decline, with fewer than 100 births occurring each year since 2000. However, despite its decreased popularity in recent decades, the name Marlin remains a classic choice among American parents and has been present in the United States for over 130 years.
In total, there have been 20,995 recorded births with the name Marlin in the United States since 1884. While its popularity has waxed and waned over the years, the name remains a timeless choice among American parents seeking to honor their children with a strong and distinctive name.