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Name Biscuit

Boy name

Merlin

Merlin ranks #220 out of 6,032 boy dog names in our data (the #1 boy dog name is Charlie). Across all 17 places, 200 dogs carry the name. It's also a cat name: #48 among boy cat names.
Merlin's popularity trend

Merlin's share of dogs, year by year — or toggle to its yearly rank. Peak year by share: 2007.

0.02%0.04%0.06%200720112015201920232025
Dogs in our data
200
across 17 places
Popularity rank
#220
of 6,032 boy dog names
5-year rank move
+114
2020 → 2025
Gender split
98% boys
2% girls98% boys
What does Merlin mean?
/ˈmɝlɪn/2 syllables

Merlin's name is generally traced to Welsh place-name elements meaning "sea" and "fortress" or "stronghold." It's most famous as the name of the legendary wizard and advisor to King Arthur in medieval British legend.

The name carries an air of mystery and old magic. It suits a clever, watchful pet who seems to be quietly working something out.

Etymology & pronunciation from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Where Merlin shows up

Merlin's share of each place's counted dogs. Places count differently — hover a Share figure for the basis. Click a heading to sort.

AdelaideAustralia0.2%
ProspectAustralia0.2%
ZürichSwitzerland0.1%
Basel-StadtSwitzerland0.1%
CambridgeUnited States of America0.1%
SeattleUnited States of America0.1%
PlayfordAustralia0.1%
Maple RidgeCanada0.0%
Port Adelaide EnfieldAustralia0.0%
Surf Coast ShireAustralia0.0%
BurnsideAustralia0.0%
DarwinAustralia0.0%
Allegheny CountyUnited States of America0.0%
WorcesterUnited States of America0.0%
New York CityUnited States of America0.0%
Noosa ShireAustralia0.0%

Names like Merlin

MerleMercerMerloFranklinDublinZeppelinColinChaplinMarlinGoblinCollinZepplin

Merlin means, by theme

Ocean & water