Form of the Welsh name Myrddin (meaning "sea fortress") used by Geoffrey of Monmouth in his 12th-century Arthurian tales. Writing in Latin, he likely chose the form Merlinus over Merdinus in order to prevent associations with French merde "excrement".
Geoffrey based parts of Merlin's character on Myrddin Wyllt, a semi-legendary madman and prophet who lived in the Caledonian Forest. Other parts of his life were based on that of the historical 5th-century Romano-British military leader Ambrosius Aurelianus. In Geoffrey's version of the tales and later embellishments Merlin is a wizard and counselor for King Arthur. - quoted from Behind The Name
Merlin has never ranked very high on the popularity charts, it currently rated about #408 in France.
I've never met anyone named Merlin although I did know someone who named their Miniature Rough Collie Merlin and it fit him very well!
I don't think I'd use Merlin for a son but I do rather like it. Merlin Arthur, Merlin James and Merlin Patrick are rather nice combos.
What do you think of the name Merlin?
Do you know anyone with this name?
What other names would you pair it with?
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