Marlin is a unique and distinctive given name of French origin. It is derived from the French word "marlin," which refers to a type of marlin fish. The marlin fish is known for its size, strength, and beauty, making it a fitting namesake.
The name Marlin has been used as a given name in France for centuries, but it gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the 19th century. It was often chosen by parents who wanted to give their children a strong, powerful, and memorable name that would set them apart from others with more common names.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Marlin. One of the most famous is Samuel L. Marlin, who served as the governor of Alabama in the late 19th century. Another notable figure is Thomas Marlin, a prominent American politician and lawyer who served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives during the mid-20th century.
Today, Marlin remains a relatively rare given name, but it continues to be chosen by parents who want to give their children a distinctive and meaningful name with a rich history. Its unique origin and association with strength and beauty make it an attractive choice for parents looking for something different and special for their child.
The name Marlin had a fluctuating popularity over the years, with significant growth from around 1910 onwards. Between 1884 and 1907, there were fewer than 20 births per year on average. However, starting in 1910, there was a substantial increase, with 35 births recorded that year. This upward trend continued throughout the 1910s and 1920s, reaching its peak in 1927 with 280 births.
The highest point of popularity for Marlin was during the mid-1920s to early 1930s, with consistently over 200 births per year between 1924 and 1935. This period also included the highest single-year total, with 386 births in 1935.
After this peak, the popularity of Marlin began to decline steadily. By the 1960s, there were fewer than 250 births per year on average, and by the 1970s, this number had fallen to around 200 births per year.
From the 1980s onwards, the popularity of Marlin continued to decrease, with fewer than 200 births recorded each year. The most recent data shows that in 2023, there were 82 births, marking a significant drop from its peak nearly a century ago. Overall, since 1884, there have been a total of 20995 births named Marlin.