Holding steady.
Popularity of Mervyn since 1905
Babies named Mervyn per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1900s | 5 |
| 1910s | 165 |
| 1920s | 295 |
| 1930s | 451 |
| 1940s | 244 |
| 1950s | 122 |
| 1960s | 105 |
| 1970s | 67 |
| 1980s | 58 |
| 1990s | 51 |
| 2000s | 13 |
| 2010s | 5 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Mervyn is a traditional Welsh and Irish name that saw its greatest popularity in the United States during the 1930s, peaking in 1935. It has not been ranked in the top 1000 since the mid-20th century, making it a rare choice today. The name was first recorded in U.S. birth data in 1905, though its usage has been stable at low levels since the 1950s. Because it was never highly common, there are no top states where Mervyn was especially concentrated. Its steady, low-frequency trajectory positions it as an old-fashioned classic for families seeking a distinct but historically rooted name.
Mervyn is generally considered a variant of the Welsh name Merfyn, itself derived from the elements mer ('sea') and myn ('hill, eminent'). Some sources also link it to the Irish name Mervyn or Mervin, which may have separate Gaelic roots. The name has been used in Wales since medieval times and saw a peak in popularity in the United States during the 1930s.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Merv, Vinny
Sibling names for Mervyn
Names that share Mervyn's style, for a brother or sister.
