Merlyn as a Baby Name. Meaning and Origin of Merlyn

What is the meaning of the name Merlyn ?

The baby name Merlyn is a Male name , 2 syllables long and is pronounced MUR-lin; IPA: /ˈmɜːrlɪn/ (UK), /ˈmɝlɪn/ (US).

Merlyn is Welsh in Origin.

Merlyn is a modern respelling of Merlin, the Anglicized form of Welsh Myrddin. The name Myrddin appears in medieval Welsh verse about a prophetic figure, later fused with Arthurian lore. Geoffrey of Monmouth Latinized it as Merlinus to avoid the resemblance of “Myrddin” to a vulgar French word, giving English Merlin. Merlyn emerged in the 20th century, notably popularized by T. H. White’s The Once and Future King, which spells the wizard “Merlyn.”

The underlying meaning is uncertain; a common folk analysis links Old Welsh mor “sea” and din “fort,” yielding “sea fortress,” but this is debated. As a given name it saw modest use in the English-speaking world in the mid-20th century and is unisex; statesman Merlyn Rees is a male bearer. Variants include Merlin (standard), Myrddin (Welsh), Merline/Merlyne and Merlynne (modern feminine forms), and Merlina (Romance). Related but etymologically distinct is Merle.