Declining since 1985, #699 for boys today.
Popularity of Marvin since 1880
Babies named Marvin per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 726 |
| 1890s | 1,073 |
| 1900s | 2,324 |
| 1910s | 17,821 |
| 1920s | 39,589 |
| 1930s | 41,085 |
| 1940s | 36,445 |
| 1950s | 34,706 |
| 1960s | 28,130 |
| 1970s | 14,732 |
| 1980s | 11,506 |
| 1990s | 9,820 |
| 2000s | 8,231 |
| 2010s | 5,419 |
| 2020s | 2,585 |
Meaning & origin
Marvin has been in continuous use in the United States since at least 1880, the first year the Social Security Administration recorded names. It reached its peak popularity in 1931, when it was among the most common names for boys, particularly in Midwestern and Mid-Atlantic states such as Wisconsin, Maryland, and Minnesota. Since 1985, its popularity has been steadily declining, reflecting a broader shift away from vintage names of that era. In 2025, it ranked 699th, with a usage rate of 1 in 4,437 boys, indicating that it remains a recognizable but less frequent choice. The name's maritime etymology and classic sound may appeal to parents seeking a traditional name with a touch of old-fashioned charm.
Marvin is an English name derived from the Welsh name Mervyn, which in turn comes from the Old Welsh elements "mor" (sea) and "myn" (eminent, high). Alternatively, it may be an Anglicized form of the Irish name Muirfinn, meaning "sea-white" or "sea-fair." The name was introduced to England by the Normans and has been in use since the Middle Ages, though it gained particular popularity in the United States during the early 20th century.
Where Marvin 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.
“Marvin” around the world
Where Marvin lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
55
babies in 2024
Quebec
5
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Marv, Vinny
Sibling names for Marvin
Names that share Marvin's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Evelyn, Dorothy, Marilyn, Shirley, Lois, Aretha, Deloise, Earlene, Lorinda, Marilee, Marva, Merrill, Erlene, Inell, Jonelle, Maralyn, Marline, Marshell, Marvella, Nadean, Sharlyn, Arlys, Charice, Diannia, Earla, Harolyn, Janith, Jerlean, Luvina, Marcelyn, Marcine, Marillyn, Marlea, Marlyce, Marlyne, Marvene, Marvine, Saleena, Sharline, Sherlene, Claudean, Earlyne, Gearldean, Jazmarie, Laree, Mardee, Marilea, Marinell, Marjo, Marvetta, Marvette, Marvie, Danyetta, Darleth, Darrelyn, Farra, Ivalene, Jackolyn, Johnika, Jurline, Mardene, Marlean, Marvalene, Marvelene, Marveline, Marvelyn, Marvena, Marvia, Melvinia, Ronnica, Suprena, Veralyn
Brothers: Harold, Raymond, Walter, Clarence, Ernest, Melvin, Marlan, Milford, Darvin, Duwayne, Harlen, Jamaine, Lavell, Malvin, Marvis, Melvyn, Selvin, Cheron, Darrol, Darvis, Durwin, Earvin, Jamoni, Marrion, Marvens, Orvin, Tarvis, Mardy, Murvin, Terryon, Vondell, Charvis, Damarea, Delvis, Duwane, Levone, Marbin, Marvion, Narvel, Norm, Travonne
Names like Marvin
Names whose popularity has moved with Marvin's over the last 50 years.
