Myrddin
/ˈmər.ðin/noun
A legendary Welsh figure associated with prophecy and, later, the Merlin tradition.
Did you know?The Merlin legend likely grew from the Welsh figure Myrddin, whose name is tied to a historical-poetic tradition before later medieval writers Latinized and reshaped him into Merlin.
Etymological Timeline
Early Medieval Welsh
Welsh
Myrddin
“A legendary prophetic figure in Welsh tradition, later linked to a wild man of the woods and seer-poet motifs.”
12th Century
Latin
Merlinus
“Latinized form used by medieval writers for the Arthurian wizard figure.”
12th–13th Century
Anglo-Norman
Merlin
“The Arthurian prophet-wizard in French and Anglo-Norman romance.”
Middle English
English
Merlyn / Merlin
“The familiar English form of the legendary wizard's name.”
Modern English
English
Merlin
“A legendary magician and prophet in Arthurian tradition.”