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

Popularity of Merlyn by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Merlyn is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 75% of people named Merlyn being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 11 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Merlyn.

The history of the first name Merlyn

The name Merlyn originates from the Brythonic Celtic language spoken in ancient Britain, derived from the Welsh words "mor" meaning "sea" and "llyn" meaning "lake" or "pool". It is believed to have been a common name among the ancient Britons, particularly in areas near the coast or lakes.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Merlyn is found in the Arthurian legends, where it is the name given to the wizard and mentor of King Arthur. In these tales, which date back to the 12th century, Merlyn is depicted as a powerful sorcerer who guides and advises the young Arthur on his path to becoming the legendary king.

The name Merlyn has also been linked to the historical figure of Myrddin Wyllt, a 6th century poet and prophet from the region of Cumbria in northern England. According to legends, Myrddin was known for his prophetic abilities and his connection to nature, which may have influenced the portrayal of the character Merlyn in the Arthurian stories.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Merlyn. One of the most famous was Merlyn Rees (1920-2006), a British politician who served as the Home Secretary of the United Kingdom from 1976 to 1979. Another was Merlyn Sheldrake (1923-2022), an English-born Canadian writer and teacher who published several books of poetry and children's literature.

In the realm of literature, the name Merlyn has been used by authors such as T.H. White in his novel "The Once and Future King" (1958), where the character of Merlyn is portrayed as a wise and eccentric wizard who guides the young Arthur. The name has also been used in various fantasy and science fiction works, often as a nod to the Arthurian legends.

While the name Merlyn has its roots in ancient Celtic culture, it has transcended its origins and has been adopted by various cultures and societies throughout history, serving as a reminder of the enduring influence of the Arthurian legends and the fascination with the mystical and supernatural.

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

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

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