Merlin
Name meaning, origin, pronunciation, and popularity rankings
How to pronounce the name Merlin
Pronunciation guide for Merlin
ARPA
M ER1 L IH0 N
IPA
ˈmərlɪn
Pronunciation Breakdown
Detailed phonetic analysis of how to say Merlin
Syllables (2)
M ER1 L IH0 N
Bold syllables indicate primary stress
Sound Breakdown
M
me (m)ER1
hurt (ɝ)L
lee (l)IH0
it (ɪ)N
knee (n)International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA)
ˈmərlɪn
Standard international representation
Pronunciation Tips
• Merlin has 2 syllables. Take your time with each part.
• Emphasize the syllable marked in bold for correct pronunciation.
Name Statistics
Key metrics and characteristics of Merlin
Structure
Character Count
6
Syllable Count
2
Vowel Ratio
33%
Name Family
merl
Usability
Pronunciation Difficulty4/10
Moderate difficulty
International Friendliness10/10
Works well across languages
DNA profile of the name Merlin
Unique character and personality of the name Merlin
Name Personality
The Global
Global
Adaptable
Modern
Key Characteristics
Length
Medium
Balanced and versatile
Rhythm
Flowing
Balanced rhythm
Sound
Strong
Consonant-rich and crisp
Ease
Moderate
May require practice
Global
Universal
Works across cultures
Heritage
merl
Part of this name family
Letter Frequency
m×1
e×1
r×1
Most frequent letters in Merlin
Visual Pattern
Tall bars = vowels, Short bars = consonants
Name Statistics
📊
Syllables
2 syllables
🗣️
Ease of Pronunciation
Easy
4/10 difficulty
🌍
International Friendliness
Excellent
10/10 global ease
Pronunciation Difficulty Comparison
How does Merlin compare to the average name?
Merlin4/10 😐
4.0
Average Name5.0/10
5.0
Merlin is easier than average by 1.0 points.
Difficulty Scale:
Very Easy (0–2)
Easy (2–4)← Merlin
Moderate (4–6)
Challenging (6–8)
Difficult (9–11)
👨👩👧👦Name Family
Names related to Merlin (root: merl)
Current Name
Merlin
Related Names (15)
Short variations:
Mazel
Medium variations:
Mercer
Merkel
Merkle
Merkley
Merline
Merlot
Mershon
Merson
Merten
Mertle
Merton
Mervin
Mervyn
Merwin
Merlin belongs to a family of 30 related names.Showing 15 most common variations.
What does the name Merlin mean?
The meaning and origin of Merlin
Historical Reference
noun 1. (Arthurian legend) the magician who acted as King Arthur's advisor
English
noun 2. small falcon of Europe and America having dark plumage with black-barred tail; used in falconry
Meaning Theme
The emotional tone and themes in Merlin's meanings
Primary Theme
🌿
Natural
Inspired by nature, elements, or the natural world
Theme Distribution
Natural
1
Key Themes
king
falcon
falconry
Name Numerology
Numerological analysis and letter patterns for Merlin
Life Path Number
8
The Achiever
Natural executives who excel at manifesting material success and authority.
Ambitious
Powerful
Business-minded
Authoritative
Most Common Letters
m×1
e×1
r×1
l×1
i×1
Sound Composition
Vowels
2(33%)
Consonants
4(67%)
Consonant-heavy names tend to sound more crisp and strong
Numerology Breakdown
m4
e5
r9
l3
i9
n5
Each letter is assigned a number (1-9). These are added together and reduced to find your Life Path Number.
Notable People Named Merlin
Famous individuals named Merlin
No notable people named Merlin are currently in our database.
How popular is the name Merlin?
Popularity rankings for Merlin around the world
| Country | Gender | Rank | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| France | boy | #490 | 2011-2011 |
| United States | boy | #966 | 1972-1972 |
Merlin Popularity in United States
Historical ranking trend for boys named Merlin
Lower rank numbers indicate higher popularity (e.g., #1 is most popular)
Merlin Popularity in United States
Historical ranking trend for girls named Merlin
Lower rank numbers indicate higher popularity (e.g., #1 is most popular)
Country Comparison
How Merlin ranks across different countries
Showing top 2 countries by ranking (lower rank = more popular)
What words rhyme with the name Merlin?
Rhyming words for Merlin
curlin
easterlin
kerlin
kirlin
munnerlyn
perlin
serlin
sherlin
spurlin
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you pronounce Merlin?
IPA: /ˈmərlɪn/ ARPA: M ER1 L IH0 N This name has a moderate pronunciation difficulty.
How many syllables are in Merlin?
Merlin has 2 syllables.
Is Merlin easy to pronounce?
Merlin is relatively easy to pronounce for most English speakers. It doesn't contain uncommon sound combinations.
Is Merlin easy to pronounce internationally?
Yes, Merlin is extremely international-friendly (10/10). It uses sounds that are common across many languages and cultures, making it easy for people worldwide to pronounce.
What names are similar to Merlin?
Names similar to Merlin include: Mazel, Mercer, Merkel, Merkle, Merkley. These names share similar sounds or roots.
Is Merlin a good baby name?
Merlin is a good baby name, particularly if you value names that are internationally friendly.
Is Merlin a boy or girl name?
Merlin can be used for any gender, though usage varies by culture and region. Check the rankings section to see gender distribution patterns.
How do you spell Merlin?
The name is spelled M-e-r-l-i-n. Common spelling variations include: Mazel, Mercer, Merkel.
What are common nicknames for Merlin?
Common nicknames for Merlin include: Mer, Merly, Merie. Nicknames often develop naturally based on personal preference and family traditions.
What does the name Merlin mean?
The name Merlin means "Merlin n 1: (Arthurian legend) the magician who acted as King Arthur's advisor 2: small falcon of Europe and America having dark plumage with black-barred tail; used in falconry [syn: {pigeon hawk}, {merlin}, {Falco columbarius}]." This name carries significant cultural and historical weight, reflecting the traditions and values of the cultures from which it originates. The meaning of a name often influences how it is perceived and can hold special significance for families choosing this name for their child.
What middle names go well with Merlin?
Middle names that pair well with Merlin include: Elizabeth, Alexander, Benjamin. Consider the flow and rhythm when saying the full name aloud. Names with different syllable counts often create a pleasant cadence.
What sibling names pair well with Merlin?
Sibling names that pair well with Merlin include: Mazel, Mercer, Merkel, Merkle. These names share similar origins, sounds, or cultural backgrounds, creating a cohesive family naming theme.
Will teachers be able to pronounce Merlin?
Most teachers will be able to pronounce Merlin correctly after hearing it once or twice. It's relatively phonetic and doesn't contain unusual sound combinations. You may need to provide pronunciation guidance at the start of each school year.
What culture is the name Merlin from?
Merlin has a multicultural heritage, with potential roots in multiple linguistic and cultural traditions. Many names have complex etymological paths, being borrowed, adapted, and adopted across different cultures throughout history. This cultural journey often enriches the name with multiple layers of meaning and significance, reflecting the interconnected nature of human societies and their naming traditions.
Is Merlin suitable for a professional career?
Merlin is well-suited for professional contexts. It's internationally friendly for global careers and appropriate length for business cards and email addresses. Names that are easy to say, spell, and remember often have advantages in career settings, though ultimately competence matters far more than name choice.
Is Merlin a long or short name?
Merlin is a short name with 6 letters (2 syllables). Short names are practical and easy to use in everyday contexts. They rarely need nicknames.
What are common misspellings of Merlin?
Common spelling variations of Merlin include: Merline, Merlot, Merson. Always verify the correct spelling with the parent.
What's the difference between Merlin and Mazel?
Merlin and Mazel are related names that share similar origins or sounds. Merlin is spelled Merlin while Mazel is spelled Mazel. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference, cultural background, or family tradition.