merlin

Meanings

1. A small falcon, Falco columbarius, that breeds in northern North America, Europe, and Asia.

1. A cytoskeletal protein active in the suppression of tumors.

1. A wizard in the Arthurian legend.
2. A male given name.
3. A census-designated place in Josephine County, Oregon, United States.

Etymology

From Middle English merlioun, merlion, marlyon, merlyon, merlinge, from Old French emerillon, esmerillon, from Old Frankish *smiril (“falcon, hawk”), from Proto-Germanic *smirilaz (“falcon, merlin”). Cognate with Old High German smirl (“falcon”), Old Norse smyrill (“falcon”).