Merlin
/ˈmɜːr.lɪn/noun
The legendary wizard and adviser to King Arthur in medieval British tradition.
Did you know?The wizard’s name is generally traced to the Welsh form Myrddin, and medieval writers carefully altered it in Latin because the original sounded too close to a crude word in French.
Etymological Timeline
Early Medieval Welsh
Welsh
Myrddin
“A personal name associated with the figure later linked to the Arthurian wizard, and also with a legendary bard-prophet tradition.”
12th Century
Latin
Merlinus
“Latinized form used by medieval chroniclers for the Arthurian prophet-wizard.”
12th Century
Old French
Merlin
“The familiar French form of the legendary wizard’s name.”
Middle English
English
Merlyn / Merlin
“The Arthurian magician and prophet in English romance and chronicle.”
Modern English
English
Merlin
“A wizard, especially the legendary adviser to King Arthur.”