Marvin
Marvin is a boy name of Welsh origin meaning “Sea friend”, pronounced MAR-vin. It ranked #699 in the United States in 2025, given to 385 babies, and peaked at #44 in 1934. Common nicknames: Marv, Vin.
How popular is Marvin in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Marvin mean, and where does it come from?
Marvin is an English form of the Welsh Merfyn, and is also read through the Old English mere and wine — "sea friend." It reached 44th place for American boys in 1934 and belongs to that generation of names that soul music later made permanent: Marvin Gaye above all, whose What's Going On rearranged what a record could be about. Marvin Minsky built the foundations of artificial intelligence, and Marvin Hamlisch won an Oscar, an Emmy, a Grammy, a Tony and a Pulitzer.
How is Marvin used around the world?
Marvin is used in 2 languages worldwide, with 1+ international variants.
TypeMale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Marvin?
Famous People Named Marvin
- Marvin Gaye — American singer and songwriter
- Marvin Minsky — American cognitive scientist and pioneer of artificial intelligence
- Marvin Hamlisch — American composer and conductor
Similar Names to Marvin
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Sibling Name Ideas for Marvin
Looking for names that pair well with Marvin? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Marvin mean?
Marvin is a boy name of Welsh origin meaning "Sea friend." Marvin is an English form of the Welsh Merfyn, and is also read through the Old English mere and wine — "sea friend." It reached 44th place for American boys in 1934 and belongs to that generation of names that soul music later made permanent: Marvin Gaye above all, whose What's Going On rearranged what a record could be about.
How do you pronounce Marvin?
Marvin is pronounced MAR-vin. Common variations include Mervyn, Merfyn, Marven.
Is Marvin a boy name?
Yes, Marvin is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Marv, Vin.