Merlion

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What does the baby name Merlion mean? Learn about what Merlion means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.

Merlion - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of Merlion
M-E-R-L-I-O-N, is a 7-letter male given name.
Meaning of Merlion
Falcon.
Origin of Merlion
The name 'Merlion' originates from the beautiful island city-state of Singapore. Its earliest known use can be traced back to the 1960s when the Singapore Tourism Board conceptualized a mythical creature to serve as a symbol for the city. This creature, known as the 'Merlion', is a hybrid of a mermaid and a lion, symbolizing the city's connection to the sea and its historical roots as a fishing village.
French Names
Popularity of Merlion
Over time, the name 'Merlion' has gained immense popularity, not only in Singapore but also worldwide. Its usage has seen notable spikes during major events and milestones in Singapore's history, such as the opening of the 'Merlion' Park in 1972 and the construction of the iconic 'Merlion' statue in 1974. These landmarks have become synonymous with Singapore's identity, making the name 'Merlion' a household name.
Merlion currently has 1 like, and is in the top 14% of liked boy's names. The name Dakarai is slightly more popular than Merlion.

Etymology of Merlion

To understand the linguistic roots of the name 'Merlion', we must explore its origin language, which is a blend of English and Malay. The name is a combination of two words 'mer' meaning sea and 'lion' representing the lion-headed creature. This fusion of words perfectly captures the essence of the mythical creature and its connection to the maritime heritage of Singapore.

Cultural Significance of Merlion

The name 'Merlion' holds great cultural significance in Singaporean society. It represents the city-state's unique blend of cultures, with the lion symbolizing the city's Malay heritage and the mermaid symbolizing its maritime roots. The 'Merlion' has become an iconic symbol of Singapore's identity and is often associated with the city's tourism industry.