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.
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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 Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Marvin Rose
Floral · soft ending
Marvin Mae
Sweet · timeless
Marvin Claire
French influence · crisp
Marvin Jane
Literary · strong
Marvin Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Marvin right now?
Declining — down 26 spots — currently #638 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| 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 | — |
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:
Marvin by decade
| 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?
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?
Gender variants 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 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.