Merlin is a name of Welsh origin, derived from the Welsh word "Myrddin." It means "sea fortress" or "fortress of the sea," which reflects its historical roots in Wales' coastal regions. The name has been popularized by various legendary figures throughout history.
One of the most notable individuals associated with the name Merlin is Merlin, the legendary Welsh bard and prophet who was said to have predicted the future and performed magical feats. According to Arthurian legend, he served as an advisor and mentor to King Arthur during his reign in Camelot. The character of Merlin has been depicted in numerous works of literature, film, and television, contributing to the enduring popularity of the name.
In addition to its association with Merlin the bard, the name has also been used by various other notable individuals throughout history. For instance, Merlin II was a Welsh prince who ruled over the region of Gwent during the 10th century. Additionally, Merlin was the name of an early medieval Breton saint who is believed to have performed miracles and healings.
Overall, the name Merlin has a rich historical and cultural heritage that spans centuries and nationalities. Its meaning and origins in Welsh mythology make it an appealing choice for parents looking for a unique and meaningful name for their child.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Merlin has seen varying levels of popularity among parents in the United States over the past century and a half.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Merlin was not particularly popular. Between 1885 and 1906, there were less than 14 births per year on average. However, beginning in 1907, the name started to gain traction, with a significant increase in popularity over the next decade.
From 1907 to 1919, Merlin was given to an average of 263 newborns per year, peaking at 314 births in 1921. This trend continued into the 1920s and early 1930s, with over 300 babies named Merlin each year on average between 1924 and 1935.
However, Merlin's popularity began to decline in the mid-1930s. Between 1936 and 1949, there were fewer than 200 births per year on average, with a low of just 150 births in 1948. This downward trend continued into the 1950s and 1960s, with an average of only 137 Merlin births per year between 1950 and 1969.
The name Merlin experienced another period of relative unpopularity from the late 1970s to the early 1980s, with fewer than 45 births per year on average during this time. However, it began to regain some popularity in the mid-1980s and into the 1990s, with an average of 39 Merlin births per year between 1985 and 2000.
In recent years, Merlin has seen a modest resurgence in popularity. Between 2001 and 2023, there have been an average of 46 Merlin births per year, with peaks of 70 births in 2021 and 61 births in 2023.
In total, over the course of these statistics (1885 to 2023), there were 14,913 newborns named Merlin in the United States. While Merlin has not always been a highly popular name, it has maintained a consistent presence among American parents throughout history and continues to be given to several dozen babies each year.