A 1920s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Mervin since 1880
Babies named Mervin per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 87 |
| 1890s | 94 |
| 1900s | 149 |
| 1910s | 1,289 |
| 1920s | 2,216 |
| 1930s | 1,839 |
| 1940s | 1,461 |
| 1950s | 1,135 |
| 1960s | 920 |
| 1970s | 601 |
| 1980s | 552 |
| 1990s | 608 |
| 2000s | 553 |
| 2010s | 494 |
| 2020s | 324 |
Meaning & origin
Mervin is a traditional English variant of the Welsh name Merfyn, long associated with the medieval rulers of Powys. Its meaning is debated between 'famous friend' and 'mariner,' but its usage in the United States has been modest. First recorded in 1880, Mervin saw its peak popularity in 1920, ranking among the top 300 names that year. After declining for decades, it has been slowly rising again since 2018, now at rank 2,363 with a rarity of 1 in 29,450. The name has been most common in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Indiana, reflecting a Midwestern and Northeastern heritage. Mervin's revival in recent years may be part of the broader trend toward vintage 'M' names and short forms like Merv.
Mervin is an English variant of the Welsh name Merfyn, composed of elements meaning 'marrow' or 'eminent' and 'youth' or 'famous.' It shares roots with the Old Welsh name Morien, which may mean 'sea-born' or 'mariner.' The name was introduced to England through the medieval Welsh rulers of Powys, and it later became established as a given name in English-speaking countries.
Where Mervin 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: Merv, Mervy
Variants: Merfyn, Mervyn
Sibling names for Mervin
Names that share Mervin's style, for a brother or sister.
