Merlin

The Meaning & Origin of the Name Merlin

Merlin is an English boy name, which has 6 letters.

The name Merlin is of Welsh origin and is thought to be derived from the Welsh words “Myrddin” or “Merfyn”, meaning “sea fortress.” It is also associated with the legendary wizard of Arthurian legend whose name is derived from the Latin word “Merlinus” meaning “sea-fortress”. The name can also be interpreted as “protector of the sea” or “guide of the sea”.

Alternate Meaning By the sea

Origin or Current Usage English

Gender M

Rating

Be the first one to vote!

Log in to save this name to your favorites.

Detailed Information About The Name Merlin

The name 'Merlin' is famous for its association with a legendary figure from Arthurian mythology. In the Arthurian legend, Merlin is portrayed as a powerful wizard and advisor to King Arthur. The roots of the name can be traced back to Welsh mythology, where Merlin (or Myrddin in Welsh) was believed to be a prophet and a bard. The exact origins of the name are uncertain, but it is thought to have Celtic or Gaelic roots. The name Merlin has also been associated with various interpretations, including 'sea fortress' or 'hill' in Celtic languages. Over time, the legend of Merlin has captivated the imaginations of people across different cultures and has been featured in numerous literary works, films, and television adaptations.

One of the most well-known depictions of Merlin is found in Sir Thomas Malory's literary work, Le Morte d'Arthur, where Merlin is portrayed as a wise and mystical character. According to the legend, Merlin possessed prophetic powers and was instrumental in the rise of King Arthur. His wisdom and magical abilities are often depicted as the source of Arthur's success. In many versions of the Arthurian legend, Merlin is depicted as a mentor and advisor to Arthur, guiding him through various challenges and assisting him in his journey to become a great king.

The name Merlin has also had an impact beyond mythology and literature. It has been used as a given name in various cultures, particularly in English-speaking countries. The name's association with wisdom, magic, and power has made it an appealing choice for many parents. Additionally, the name has been adopted in popular culture, appearing in works such as J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit and the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling.

Search Baby Names & Meanings

Search our growing database of baby names to find just the right name for your baby or to find out what your own name means!

Celebrity Baby Names

Celebrity baby names are usually not conventional, but some of them become popular. Here is our growing list of celebrity baby names.

Celebrity Baby Names

Naming Your Baby

Picking a name is one of the most important things you will do for your child, so why not take some time to look through our collection of baby naming resources.

Naming Your Baby

Unusual Baby Names

Unique or unusual baby names are tempting when it is time to name your child; however, you should also be aware of the pitfalls that a unique name might have.

Unusual Baby Names

Biblical Baby Names

Biblical names are some of the most widely used names, and for good reason. The tradition and history behind these names makes them a great choice!

Biblical Baby Names

Types of Baby Names

The baby name collection on this site is constantly evolving, and a good way to browse through our database is selecting the type of name you are interested in.

Types of Baby Names