From an English surname, derived from the name Mervyn.
Mervyn is a form of the Welsh name Merfyn. It meant “marrow famous” and it was the name of a Welsh king, Merfyn Frych.
He was also known as Merfyn ap Gwriad and was king of Gwynedd, a medieval kingdom in Wales. His reign lasted almost twenty years.
The name became popular among people of northern England and gave birth to several surnames, such as Marvin, Mervin, Mervyn, etc.
As a given name, Marvin has been in use since the 19 century.
Famous bearers are Marvin Gaye, Marvin Humes, Marvin Hamlisch, Marvin Williams.
Marvin is a popular name in United States and France.