Greg Olsen is a former NFL player and sportscaster who played for 14 seasons as a tight end for the Chicago Bears, the Carolina Panthers, and the Seattle Seahawks. He is also known for his charitable work and his involvement in the rap group 7th Floor Crew. But is he related to Merlin, the legendary wizard of King Arthur’s court?
The rumor that Greg Olsen is related to Merlin has been circulating on the internet for some time, but there is no evidence to support it. The two names have different origins and meanings, and there is no known connection between them in history or genealogy.
The Origin of the Name Olsen
Olsen is a common Scandinavian surname that means “son of Ole”. Ole is a variant of Olaf, which comes from the Old Norse name Áleifr, meaning “ancestor’s descendant”.Olsen is especially prevalent in Norway, where it is the second most common surname after Hansen.
Greg Olsen’s paternal grandfather was of Norwegian descent, and his paternal grandmother was of German descent. His maternal grandparents were of Irish and Polish ancestry.Therefore, Olsen’s surname reflects his Scandinavian heritage, but not necessarily his entire ethnic background.
The Origin of the Name Merlin
Merlin is a name that has been used for various characters in literature and mythology, most famously for the wizard who advised King Arthur in the medieval legends of Britain. The name Merlin comes from the Welsh name Myrddin, which was derived from the Celtic word *mori-dunon*, meaning “sea fortress”.
According to some sources, Myrddin was originally a historical figure who lived in the 6th century AD and was a bard and prophet in the kingdom of Strathclyde. He was later associated with the legend of Arthur by Geoffrey of Monmouth, who Latinized his name to Merlinus and gave him a role as a magician and counselor.
Merlin has also been linked to other mythical figures, such as Ambrosius Aurelianus, a Romano-British leader who fought against the Anglo-Saxons, and Emrys Wledig, a Welsh king who was said to have magical powers.Some versions of the legend also portray Merlin as a cambion, a half-human half-demon offspring of an incubus and a mortal woman.
Conclusion
There is no reason to believe that Greg Olsen is related to Merlin, either by blood or by marriage. The two names have different origins and meanings, and there is no known connection between them in history or genealogy. Greg Olsen is a former NFL player and sportscaster with Scandinavian, German, Irish, and Polish roots, while Merlin is a mythical figure who was based on a Welsh bard and prophet with Celtic roots. The rumor that they are related is likely a result of coincidence or confusion.
