Declining since 2021, #10,695 for boys today.
Popularity of Merlyn since 1908
Babies named Merlyn per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1900s | 0 | 5 |
| 1910s | 87 | 286 |
| 1920s | 294 | 812 |
| 1930s | 297 | 1,095 |
| 1940s | 235 | 597 |
| 1950s | 139 | 301 |
| 1960s | 66 | 128 |
| 1970s | 33 | 48 |
| 1980s | 58 | 23 |
| 1990s | 113 | 32 |
| 2000s | 156 | 25 |
| 2010s | 100 | 34 |
| 2020s | 57 | 24 |
Meaning & origin
Merlyn is a rare name with a mythological aura. First recorded in the U.S. in 1908, it reached its peak rank in 1930, likely influenced by the popularity of similar-sounding names and the enduring fascination with Arthurian legend. In 2025, the name ranked 10,695, with an estimated 1 in 284,679 newborns receiving it. Its trajectory has been falling since 2021, aligning with the broader trend away from mid-century rarities. As a variant of Merlin, it carries the mystique of the legendary wizard, though its exact meaning remains uncertain. Merlyn is recorded primarily for girls in the U.S. data, but it remains a unisex choice that appeals to parents seeking a distinctive, literary-inspired name without wide usage.
Merlyn is a variant spelling of Merlin, which is derived from the Welsh name Myrddin. Myrddin's etymology is uncertain, but it may be related to the Welsh word for 'sea fortress' or 'sea hill.' The name is famously associated with the wizard Merlin in Arthurian legend, though its earlier roots are Welsh.
Where Merlyn 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: Mer, Lyn
Sibling names for Merlyn
Names that share Merlyn's style, for a brother or sister.
