Find out how popular the first name Marlin has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Marlin by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Marlin is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 83% of people named Marlin being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 82 male babies and 18 female babies born with the name Marlin.

The history of the first name Marlin

The name Marlin has its roots in the French language, dating back to the Middle Ages. It is derived from the Old French word "merlin," which means "little falcon" or "little hawk." The name may have originated as a nickname for someone with keen eyesight or a swift, bird-like demeanor.

In the 12th century, the name gained popularity through the famous Arthurian legend of Merlin, the powerful wizard and mentor to King Arthur. This legendary figure, often depicted as a wise and mystical figure, likely contributed to the name's enduring appeal and association with wisdom and magic.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Marlin can be found in the 13th century, when a French nobleman named Marlin de Beauvais was mentioned in historical records. In the 14th century, Marlin Ficin, an Italian philosopher and translator, was a renowned figure during the Renaissance period.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Marlin. Marlin Fitzwater (1942-), an American journalist and former White House Press Secretary under Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush, is a prominent example. Marlin Perkins (1905-1986), an American zoologist and host of the popular television series "Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom," was another well-known figure.

In literature, Marlin Brando (1924-2004), the legendary American actor and cultural icon, was widely known for his iconic performances in films such as "A Streetcar Named Desire" and "The Godfather." Marlin Munitz (1923-2003), an American philosopher and university administrator, served as the president of the University of Houston and the University of California system.

Lastly, Marlin Gusman (1934-1986), a Cuban-American boxer and Olympic gold medalist, made his mark in the world of sports by winning the heavyweight boxing championship at the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne, Australia.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Marlin was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Marlin, please contact us.

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