Marlin
Fact sheet
- Name
- Marlin
- Gender
- Unisex name
- Syllables
- 2
The masculine first name Marlin is a variant of Merlin. It derives from the English term merlin or merlion, which means 'the dwarf falcon' or 'the little falcon'.
What does the name Marlin mean?
Marlin, a masculine first name, is a derivative of Merlin and comes from the English word merlin or merlion, which means 'the dwarf falcon' or 'the little falcon'. Additionally, the name can also be interpreted as 'the falcon' or 'the hill by the sea', based on the Celtic elements muir for 'the sea' and dun for 'the hill' or 'the dune'. The feminine form of the name Marlin is regarded as the English variant of Marlen, which is a short form of the name Marlene, originally derived from the double form Maria Magdalena. Its meanings include 'the beloved', 'the bitter one', as well as 'the exalted', 'the radiant', or 'the one from Magdala'. Other variants include Merlijn and Merlyn.
Where does the name Marlin come from?
The name Marlin has both masculine and feminine roots and is of ancient Hebrew and Celtic origin, meaning 'the falcon'.
How do you pronounce Marlin?
The name Marlin has a clear, two-syllable sound. It is usually pronounced as 'Mar-lin' [ˈmaʁlɪn], with the first syllable featuring an open A sound and a rolled or aspirated r. The second syllable sounds soft and ends with n. The consonant combination '-rl-' gives the name a distinctive character. Marlin feels modern yet down-to-earth - a name with clear contours and quiet strength.
When is the name day of Marlin?
The name day for Marlin is celebrated on April 25.
Popularity
In Germany, the first name Marlin enjoys great popularity and currently ranks 948th among the most common male first names. Its highest ranking was in 2010 at 490th place. Over the past ten years, Marlin has been given as a first name approximately 540 times, placing it 830th in the ten-year statistics. Between 2010 and 2024, it ranks 805th. Internationally, the name Marlin also has a certain prevalence.
Nicknames & pet names
Lin / Line / Lino / Marli / Marlonne / Marls / Marlüdde / Melo / Mörly
Famous people
- Marlin (Dad of Nemo in the movie 'Finding Nemo')
- Marlin Briscoe (American football player)
- Marlin Darrah (film director from the USA)
- Marlin Davis (actress from the USA)
- Marlin Jackson (football player from the USA)
- Marlin Kuykendall (American musician)
- Marlin McKeever (American football player)
- Marlin Mpiana (football player from the Congo)
- Marlin Stuart (baseball player from America)
- Marlin von Wick (actor & voice actor)
- Nigel Marlin Balchin (British writer)
Frequently asked questions about the name Marlin
What does the name Marlin mean?
Marlin has both ancient Hebrew and Celtic roots and means among other things 'the falcon'. The name is also associated with 'the hill by the sea'.
Is Marlin a boy's or girl's name?
Marlin is primarily a boy's name, but it also has feminine roots, making it versatile.
What nicknames are there for Marlin?
There are various nicknames for the name Marlin, such as Lin, Marli, and Lino, which make the use of the name even more personal.
How is Marlin pronounced?
Marlin is generally pronounced as 'Mar-lin', with the emphasis on the first syllable.