A 1930s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Marlin since 1884
Babies named Marlin per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 0 | 6 |
| 1890s | 0 | 36 |
| 1900s | 0 | 124 |
| 1910s | 11 | 1,111 |
| 1920s | 31 | 2,308 |
| 1930s | 99 | 3,409 |
| 1940s | 130 | 3,013 |
| 1950s | 107 | 2,882 |
| 1960s | 136 | 2,092 |
| 1970s | 103 | 1,838 |
| 1980s | 166 | 1,125 |
| 1990s | 274 | 1,094 |
| 2000s | 336 | 878 |
| 2010s | 195 | 779 |
| 2020s | 74 | 477 |
Meaning & origin
Marlin has seen a steady if modest presence in U.S. naming records since its first recorded use in 1884. The name reached its peak popularity in 1935, ranking 1778th in 2025 with a 1-in-18,979 incidence. After a period of decline, it has been rising again since 2009, particularly in states like Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. Though often associated with the fish or as a variant of Merlin, its simplicity and retro charm have contributed to its enduring, if niche, appeal.
Marlin is an English name that may have originated as a variant of Merlin or as a direct borrowing from the name of the marine fish, itself derived from 'marl' (a type of fish) or from the Old English 'mere' (sea) and 'lin' (lake). It has been used as a given name since the late 19th century, with a notable peak in the 1930s.
Where Marlin is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mar, Marl, Linn
Variants: Merlin
Sibling names for Marlin
Names that share Marlin's style, for a brother or sister.
