Meaning of Name Marlin

Choosing a name for your child is a big decision. It's a name they'll carry with them for the rest of their life, and it can have a significant impact on their identity and sense of self. If you're considering the name Marlin for your baby, you may be wondering about its meaning, origin, and popularity. In this article, we'll explore all of these aspects of the name Marlin, so you can make an informed decision about whether it's the right name for your child.

The name Marlin is of English origin, and it means 'little hawk'. It is a variant of the name Merlin, which is derived from the Welsh name Myrddin. Myrddin was the name of a legendary Welsh wizard and prophet, who was said to have served as an advisor to King Arthur. The name Marlin has been used as a given name since the 19th century, and it has been steadily increasing in popularity in recent years.

While the name Marlin is not as common as some other names, it has been steadily increasing in popularity in recent years. According to the Social Security Administration, the name Marlin was given to 222 baby boys in 2020, making it the 1,376th most popular name for boys in the United States. This represents a significant increase from just a few years ago, when the name was given to only around 100 baby boys per year. The name Marlin is also occasionally used for baby girls, although it is much less common.

There are several notable people with the name Marlin, including Marlin Briscoe, a former American football player who was the first African American starting quarterback in modern professional football. Other famous Marlins include Marlin Perkins, a zoologist and television host, and Marlin Fitzwater, a former White House Press Secretary. While these individuals may not be household names, they serve as examples of successful and accomplished people who have carried the name Marlin with pride.

While Marlin is a relatively uncommon name, there are several variations and similar names that you may also want to consider. These include:

As mentioned earlier, Merlin is the Welsh name from which Marlin is derived. It has a similar meaning ('sea fortress') and is a more common name than Marlin. Merlin has been used as a given name since the Middle Ages and has been popularized in recent years by the Harry Potter series, in which the character Merlin is a legendary wizard.

Marlon is a name that is similar in sound to Marlin, but has a different origin and meaning. It is of French and German origin, and means 'little falcon'. Marlon Brando, the famous actor, is perhaps the most well-known person with this name.

Martin is a name that is similar in sound to Marlin, but has a different origin and meaning. It is of Latin origin, and means 'of Mars', referring to the Roman god of war. Martin is a very common name, and has been used as a given name since the Middle Ages.

In conclusion, the name Marlin has a rich history and meaning, and is steadily increasing in popularity. While it may not be as common as some other names, it has been used as a given name for over a century, and has been carried by successful and accomplished individuals. If you're considering naming your child Marlin, you may also want to consider similar names like Merlin, Marlon, and Martin. Ultimately, the decision of what to name your child is a personal one, and should be based on your own preferences and values. We hope this article has provided you with some useful information as you make this important decision.