Marvin

“sea hill”

American origin · Unisex name

♂ 99% boys♀ 1% girls

#638US 2023

432Births / yr

↓Falling

253.6kAll-time births

📅 Since 190200

How to pronounce Marvin

MAH·RVEN

/ˈmɑ.ˈrvɛn/ · stress on MAH · 2 syllables

“sea hill”

American origin · Unisex name

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 #1108 in 1929 — currently #638 in the US.

🌿

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 Grace

How popular is Marvin right now?

Declining — down 26 spots — currently #638 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1905–2023#638 · Top 0.47%

1935

1940

1945

1950

1955

1960

1965

1970

1975

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1985

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2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
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	▼ down 317 · -19% births
1940	#1754	21	▼ down 195 · -9% births
1935	#1559	23	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Marvin

Best Year2022Rank #612

Peak Count457

Average Rank#2833

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1905 - 202321 years

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 1929:

Mary Betty Dorothy Helen Margaret

Marvin by decade

Marvin peaked in the 1920s. See all 1920s 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	448

What are good nicknames for Marvin?

Common

MarMaArvin

What names sound and feel like Marvin?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Marvin also consider these

Marlvin

American · Sea friend

Marbin

American · from the sea

Martin

France · of Mars, the

Malvin

Scotland · Servant of the

Tarvin

American · earth friend

American · strength and bravery

How is Marvin written in other languages?

Gender variants of Marvin

Marva ENGLISH Merv ENGLISH Mervin ENGLISH Mervyn ENGLISH Merfyn WELSH Mervin WELSH Mervyn WELSH

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 M AA1 R V EH1 N. 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.