Holding steady.
Popularity of Merwyn since 1912
Babies named Merwyn per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 93 |
| 1920s | 183 |
| 1930s | 288 |
| 1940s | 144 |
| 1950s | 54 |
| 1960s | 18 |
| 1970s | 6 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Merwyn is a rare Welsh-derived name with a rich but uncertain etymology. First recorded in U.S. data in 1912, it reached its peak popularity in 1937, during the height of the 1930s. Since then, its usage has remained stable but infrequent, never cracking the top 1000. With no recorded 1-in-N incidence in recent years, it remains a distinctive choice. Its ties to medieval Welsh royalty give it a subtle historical depth, while its modern rarity makes it stand out.
Merwyn is a variant of the Welsh name Merfyn, typically derived from the elements 'mer' (sea) and 'myn' (hill), or alternatively from 'mawr' (great) and 'myn' (hill). It was borne by a 9th-century king of Gwynedd, Merfyn Frych. In modern use, it may also be an Anglicized spelling of the name, sometimes influenced by the Old English 'Mærwynn' meaning 'famous joy' or 'famous friend'.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mer, Wyn
Sibling names for Merwyn
Names that share Merwyn's style, for a brother or sister.
