Holding steady.
Popularity of Merwin since 1892
Babies named Merwin per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 5 |
| 1900s | 15 |
| 1910s | 308 |
| 1920s | 532 |
| 1930s | 337 |
| 1940s | 187 |
| 1950s | 132 |
| 1960s | 67 |
| 1970s | 22 |
| 1980s | 15 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 5 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Merwin is a rare English name meaning 'famous friend' that saw its greatest use in the early 20th century. It was first recorded in 1880 and peaked in 1928, a time when names with similar Old English roots were common. After the 1950s, it fell out of regular use, but it has remained in occasional usage, with a stable trajectory over recent decades. Though it never reached the top 1000, it was most popular in the 1920s, particularly among families seeking solid, understated masculine names. Today, Merwin feels like a hidden gem for those who appreciate names with genuine historical depth.
Merwin is derived from the Old English elements mære (famous) and wine (friend). It was used in medieval England but became rare after the Middle Ages. The name saw modest use in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, peaking in 1928.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mer, Win
Sibling names for Merwin
Names that share Merwin's style, for a brother or sister.
