What does Marvin mean and where does it come from?
Marvin is traditionally a male name of Welsh origin, where it means 'sea hill' (from 'môr' for sea and 'myrddin'). Despite its conventional association as a masculine name, it has seen usage as a female name, especially in modern contexts. The name has gained cultural presence through notable indivi
Cultural significance
Marvin has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of welsh.
Peak popularity
Reached #672 in 2024 — currently #699 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Marvin?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Marvin?
Marvin works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Marvin Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Marvin John
One syllable · timeless choice
Marvin Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Marvin Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Marvin Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Marvin Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Marvin right now?
Declining — down 27 spots — currently #699 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #699 | 385 | ▼ down 27 · -6% births |
| 2024 | #672 | 409 | ▼ down 34 · -5% births |
| 2023 | #638 | 432 | ▼ down 26 · -5% births |
| 2022 | #612 | 457 | ▲ up 7 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #619 | 450 | ▲ up 9598 · +6329% births |
| 1990 | #10217 | 7 | ▼ down 5354 · -53% births |
| 1985 | #4863 | 15 | ▲ up 1065 · +36% births |
| 1980 | #5928 | 11 | ▼ down 1774 · -27% births |
| 1975 | #4154 | 15 | ▲ up 1273 · +67% births |
| 1970 | #5427 | 9 | ▼ down 2740 · -57% births |
| 1965 | #2687 | 21 | ▲ up 313 · +24% births |
| 1960 | #3000 | 17 | ▼ down 150 · +6% births |
| 1955 | #2850 | 16 | ▼ down 185 · +7% births |
| 1950 | #2665 | 15 | ▼ down 594 · -12% births |
| 1945 | #2071 | 17 | — |
The story of Marvin
Marvin entered American naming records in 1902 and has been in use for over 122 years. More than 253,560 babies have been named Marvin since 1902. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1953 in 1905 to #638 in 2023. Marvin is used for both genders: 1% female and 99% male.
Names that peaked alongside Marvin in 2024:
Marvin by decade
Marvin peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 726 | |
| 1890s | 1,073 | |
| 1900s | 2,349 | |
| 1910s | 17,941 | |
| 1920s | 39,898 | |
| 1930s ★ | 41,318 | |
| 1940s | 36,637 | |
| 1950s | 34,856 | |
| 1960s | 28,347 | |
| 1970s | 14,909 | |
| 1980s | 11,625 | |
| 1990s | 9,851 | |
| 2000s | 8,192 | |
| 2010s | 5,390 | |
| 2020s | 1,242 | |
What are good nicknames for Marvin?
What names sound and feel like Marvin?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Marvin also consider these
How is Marvin written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Marvin?
Common questions about the name Marvin
What does the name Marvin mean?
Marvin means "Welsh" — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Marvin?
Marvin is currently ranked #638 as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Marvin?
Marvin originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Marvin?
Marvin is a two-syllable name pronounced MAH-RVEN. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Marvin more of a girl or boy name?
Marvin is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.