Find out how popular the first name Merline has been for the last 26 years (from 1982 to 2007) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Merline by gender

Based on the last 26 years of data, Merline is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2007, there were 8 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Merline.

The history of the first name Merline

The name Merline has its origins in the Old French form of the name Merlin, which itself is derived from the Welsh name Myrddin. This Welsh name is believed to have its roots in the Brittonic word "mori" meaning "sea" and the element "dunn" meaning "hill" or "fort." Together, these elements suggest the name may have originally referred to someone living near a sea fort or coastal fortification.

The earliest known references to the name Merlin are found in the legendary accounts of the wizard Merlin from Arthurian mythology. This powerful sorcerer and prophet is a central figure in many of the medieval tales about King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. While the specific origins of this legendary figure are unclear, the name became widely associated with magic and mysticism throughout medieval Europe.

One of the earliest documented uses of the name Merline can be found in the 12th century French poem "Perceval, or the Story of the Grail" by Chrétien de Troyes. In this work, Merline is presented as a variant spelling of the wizard Merlin's name. It is likely that this feminine form of the name emerged during this period as a way to distinguish female characters associated with the Arthurian legends.

Throughout history, the name Merline has been borne by several notable individuals. One of the earliest recorded examples is Merline de Trie (c. 1200-1270), a French noblewoman and Lady of Monceaux. Another early figure was Merline de Salins (c. 1230-1301), a French abbess and religious leader.

In more recent centuries, the name Merline has been used by several writers and artists. Merline Britt (1904-1999) was an American author and poet, known for her works exploring the American South. Merline Oberon (1911-1979) was a British actress and stars of films such as "The Private Life of Henry VIII" and "Wuthering Heights."

One of the most famous bearers of the name was Merline Favard (1920-2007), a French Resistance fighter during World War II. She played a crucial role in the French Resistance movement and was awarded the Croix de Guerre for her bravery and service.

While not a common name today, Merline has a rich history rooted in medieval legends, literature, and the stories of remarkable individuals throughout the centuries. Its unique sound and connection to the mystical figure of Merlin have made it a distinctive and intriguing name choice.

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 Merline was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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