The name Marvin is a classic male given name with roots in Welsh origin, where it means "sea hill" or "friend of the sea." Pronounced as MAHR-vin (/ˈmɑr.vɪn/), Marvin has been a steady presence in baby name rankings in the United States for over a century. While its popularity peaked in the mid-20th century, reaching its highest rank of 44 in 1931, it remains a beloved choice for many parents today. Variations of the name include Mervin. Marvin is often associated with notable figures such as legendary soul singer Marvin Gaye and acclaimed actor Lee Marvin, adding to its timeless appeal. Whether you're drawn to its melodic sound or historical significance, Marvin offers both charm and enduring legacy.
Marvin Pentz Gay Jr., also known as Marvin Gaye, was an influential American singer and songwriter known for shaping the sound of Motown and earning the nicknames "Prince of Motown" and "Prince of Soul". |
Marvin Kitman was a renowned American television critic, humorist, and author, known for his 35-year tenure as a columnist for Newsday and his humorous yet well-researched books, including two on George Washington. |
Marvin Frederick Hamlisch was a renowned American composer and conductor, known for achieving the prestigious "EGOT" and "PEGOT" accolades. |
Marvin Lewis Jones Jr. is an American football wide receiver and free agent, known for his time with the Cincinnati Bengals, Detroit Lions, and Jacksonville Jaguars, after being drafted in the fifth round of the 2012 NFL Draft. |
Marvin Bagley III is a professional basketball player known for his time with the Sacramento Kings and currently plays for the Detroit Pistons in the NBA. |
Marvin McCoy - Marvin Anthony Michael McCoy is a semi-professional footballer from England who plays as a defender for Cray Wanderers and has represented Antigua and Barbuda internationally. |
Bishop Marvin Sapp is an American Gospel music singer-songwriter known for his work with the group Commissioned and a successful solo career. |
Marvin Lawrence Winans is an American pastor, gospel singer, and member of the musical Winans family, known for his role in Tyler Perry's House of Payne. |
Marvin Dunnette - Marvin D. Dunnette was a prominent American psychology professor known for his significant contributions to industrial and organizational psychology. |
Marvin Pierce Bush is an American businessman and a member of the prominent Bush family, known for his connections to former U.S. Presidents George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush. |
Marvin Pierce was the president of McCall Corporation and the father of United States First Lady Barbara Pierce Bush, and the maternal grandfather of former U.S. President George W. Bush and former Florida Governor Jeb Bush. |
Marvin Isley was a renowned American musician and the youngest member of the Isley Brothers, where he played bass guitar. |
Marvin Camel is an American former professional boxer and the first cruiserweight world champion, holding the WBC title in 1980 and the IBF title from 1983 to 1984. |
Marvin Wilson is an American football defensive tackle who played for the Birmingham Stallions and signed with the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2021. |
Marvin Willis Lucas Jr. is a Democratic member of the North Carolina House of Representatives, representing the 42nd district and serving as the House Democratic Conference Co-Chair, and is a retired school principal from Spring Lake, North Carolina. |