Active discussions

Help protect children from gaming harms.

Take our survey

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

Merlin

38 replies

Moonfasa100 · 22/12/2024 19:23

I have a new colleague. I just thought that her name is so pretty and unusual. And I'd never heard of it before.

Her name is Merlin.

What do you think?

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Set a reminder
New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Aglassaday · 23/12/2024 18:09

I know a little bit- Merlin!
love it

Original poster
Moonfasa100 · 23/12/2024 16:50

My colleague Merlin - looks like she may be from a south American background. Eg Peru or Colombia or somewhere.

Maybe it's more commonly used as a female name over there.

OP posts:
YouLookinSusBro · 23/12/2024 16:47

I recently came across a female Merlyn. Love it

Original poster
Moonfasa100 · 23/12/2024 16:46

I actually really like Merlin for a girl

OP posts:
MadKittenWoman · 23/12/2024 16:45

Our last tom cat was called Merlin.

Original poster
Moonfasa100 · 23/12/2024 16:41

MistyF · 23/12/2024 13:48

My first thought too

Show quote history

No, her name is definitely Merlin.

She is my colleague, in my team, and I've seen her name written down - on her linkedin and on her email address.

OP posts:
MistyF · 23/12/2024 13:48

YesYesAllGood · 22/12/2024 20:54

Definitely not Marilyn?

My first thought too

MarjorieDanvers · 23/12/2024 09:42

DH wanted to call DS1 Merlyn - DS1 is very happy I vetoed his choice!

I do though like it for a girl though!

Mairzydotes · 23/12/2024 08:38

Sarah Paulson's character in American Gothic was called Merlynn , I think .

Merlin Griffiths, the First Dates barman, seems like a nice bloke. The name Merlin has positive connotations due to him .

ErrolTheDragon · 23/12/2024 08:18

And Meryn.

user1492757084 · 23/12/2024 07:30

That is interesting.

I have only heard of a man called Merlin.

I have heard of similar sounding names
Merle, Merlyn, Merilyn and Meryl.

Jk987 · 22/12/2024 22:31

I think of it as a boys name. A boy wizard.

Echobelly · 22/12/2024 20:57

Maybe like it more as a girl's name - I met a guy called Merlin decades ago and he was like 'Ugh, yes, my parents were hippies and I hate it!' about his name.

YesYesAllGood · 22/12/2024 20:54

Definitely not Marilyn?

SwordToFlamethrower · 22/12/2024 20:31

My friend's son is called Merlin. It's cool!

Also: Merlin Sheldrake is a dish.

IamnotwhouthinkIam · 22/12/2024 20:24

I’ve only ever heard of it on the occasional upper class “arty”/bohemian man and on pets - personally I’m not keen on it for a woman as it’s very associated with a male legendary character (who is often pictured with a long grey beard 🤣) so it just seems a bit odd imagery for a woman. But if she likes it/is happy with her name that’s all that matters.

Edited to add: I do think it objectively has a nice sound though - and the “lyn/lin” ending is often found on feminine names so I guess it makes sense. Would still assume male though, as the wizard is hard to get past.

UndeniablyGenX · 22/12/2024 20:04

Notable female with the name, though spelt slightly differently:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merlyn_Lowther

Almostwelsh · 22/12/2024 19:52

Morgan is a Welsh name with a similar vibe, but more commonly used for girls.

Almostwelsh · 22/12/2024 19:51

It's used in Wales as a man's name fairly frequently. At work we have 3 Merlins, all men although one spells it Merlyn.

As a woman called Merlin, everyone would be surprised at your sex I think, although it isn't a disadvantage to be thought of as male in some situations.

ErrolTheDragon · 22/12/2024 19:47

It's a small falcon. Also the name of a truly brilliant bird ID app.

I don't dislike it as a name, not sure it would suit everyone.

Orphlids · 22/12/2024 19:46

Yes, I have known of female Merlins - I remember thirty years ago as a teenager hearing about a woman named Merlin and loving it. Glad you like it, OP. I’d expect anyone, man or woman, named Merlin to be rather fabulous.

Oreosareawful · 22/12/2024 19:42

No, it’s an animals name! I only know cats and ponies called Merlin

Original poster
Moonfasa100 · 22/12/2024 19:34

Diversion · 22/12/2024 19:33

Merlin is an amazing name 😀

It actually really really suits her.

Everyone remembers her name too

OP posts:
Corinthiana · 22/12/2024 19:34

Magical!

Diversion · 22/12/2024 19:33

Merlin is an amazing name 😀

Swipe left for the next trending thread