Merlin: a name so out; it is ready to be in again

[michelle427]

About 7 months ago friends of mine had a baby boy. They named him Lawrence Merlin, Lawrence the dad's name, but the boy will go by Merlin.

They are avid fans of the Arthurian legends, and also are practings Wiccans, and wanted in a sense to give their boy a magical name if you will. At first it seemed a bit odd and not sure if I was a fan, but like most names it grows on you and he is Merlin.

I'm all for names that are a little different, but not made up. So if it's in a name book go for it. My cousin's name is Radley and I rather like that he is the only Radley I know (and he is not named after Boo Radley in To Kill a Mockingbird, he was already born when the book came out).

For me tradtional names like Patrick are favorites. For girls all French all the time. Claire, Chloe, Corrine and Sabine.

[esrever88]

My great-grandfather's name was Merlin, and my grandmother's middle name is Merline after him. I really like both names and I've considered using one of them as a middle.

[agirlinred]

I'd be thrilled to meet a baby Merlin.

[augusta_lee]

Honestly, I love this name and would definitely use it if it wasn't SO strongly associated with, yes, the wizard. It has a lovely sound and a solid, earthy meaning.

[frustratedauthor]

I love Merlin. I'd love to meet one.

[greyer]

I like the sound of it, but wouldn't use it because of the association. I do love Merle, though, for a girl or boy, and love the blackbird meaning.

[rollo]

My brother named one of the products in his business Merlin years ago.

[thetxbelle]

It's funny that you mentioned Merlin, I am seeing this on French boards left and right and it's shot up the charts in France, the numbers aren't huge or anything but its definitely on the rise.

[aureliagwendolen]

Merlin is too weird for my tastes (says she whose tastes tend towards the unusual), and a bit nerdy. I'd use Marlene on a girl if I wanted a similar name without the immediate associations Merlin has.