Name profile

BoyPronounced American English /ˈmɜɹ.lɪn/; British English /ˈmɜː.lɪn/English language family

Merlin

Form of the Welsh name Myrddin used by Geoffrey of Monmouth in his 12th-century chronicle.

Quick answer

Merlin is a boy name.

Pronunciation: American English /ˈmɜɹ.lɪn/; British English /ˈmɜː.lɪn/.

GenderBoy
PronunciationAmerican English /ˈmɜɹ.lɪn/; British English /ˈmɜː.lɪn/
Language familyEnglish

Meaning and history

Form of the Welsh name Myrddin used by Geoffrey of Monmouth in his 12th-century chronicle. 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 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 (also known as Emrys Wledig). In Geoffrey's version of the tales and later embellishments Merlin is a magician and counsellor for King Arthur.

Notes and context

Usage: arthurian cycle, english