Marlin
13% girls · 87% boys
About Marlin
Marlin is a masculine name with multiple origins and meanings. It derives primarily from English surname traditions, originally denoting someone who lived near a small lake (mere) or possibly from the bird name 'merlin.' The name also inevitably brings to mind the marlin fish, a powerful ocean predator known for its strength and fighting spirit. Marlin gained modest popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century but remains relatively uncommon. The name carries associations with nature, the sea, and rugged independence. It combines traditional masculine qualities with distinctive character, making it appeal to parents seeking a name with strong imagery and outdoor connections without being overly common.
Marlin for girls#7748 US
Sounds like Marlon (as in Brando) and looks like marlin (as in the fish).
Pronounced MAR-lin.
As of October 2026, Marlin ranked #1788 in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #276 in 1935.
Popularity & trends
Data table
| Year | US rank · boys | Births · boys | US rank · girls | Births · girls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | #1,835 | 81 | — | 0 |
| 2015 | #1,820 | 82 | — | 0 |
| 2016 | #2,036 | 70 | — | 0 |
| 2017 | #1,865 | 79 | — | 0 |
| 2018 | #1,788 | 86 | — | 0 |
| 2019 | #1,991 | 74 | — | 0 |
| 2020 | #2,085 | 68 | — | 0 |
| 2021 | #2,031 | 73 | — | 0 |
| 2022 | #1,976 | 78 | — | 0 |
| 2023 | #1,886 | 84 | — | 0 |
| 2024 | #1,940 | 81 | — | 0 |
| 2025 | #1,788 | 90 | — | 0 |
World rankings
Marlin for boys
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Marlin on lists
Famous Marlins
- Marlin PerkinsBoy
American zoologist, host of TV's "Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom"
- Marlin StutzmanBoy
U.S. Congressman from Indiana
- Marlin JacksonBoy
American football player
Marlin in pop culture
- MarlinBoy
character in movie "Finding Nemo"
- marlinBoy
a type of fish
- MarlinGirl
character in film "All the Boys Love Mandy Lane"