Declining since 1992, #1,436 for girls today.
Popularity of Mercedes since 1880
Babies named Mercedes per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 74 |
| 1890s | 226 |
| 1900s | 530 |
| 1910s | 1,767 |
| 1920s | 2,828 |
| 1930s | 1,858 |
| 1940s | 1,368 |
| 1950s | 1,741 |
| 1960s | 1,699 |
| 1970s | 1,985 |
| 1980s | 4,410 |
| 1990s | 15,291 |
| 2000s | 8,454 |
| 2010s | 2,950 |
| 2020s | 1,025 |
Meaning & origin
Mercedes is a name of Spanish origin meaning 'mercies,' rooted in the Catholic title María de las Mercedes. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1880 and peaked in 1993, reaching its highest usage in the 1990s. Since 1992, its popularity has steadily declined, and in 2025 it ranked 1436th with about 1 in 10,715 births. The name is most common in states like Utah, Kentucky, and Indiana, hinting at a regional preference. Its association with the luxury car brand, named after Mercedes Jellinek, has given it a modern, sleek image. Despite the car connection, the name retains a distinctly Spanish cultural and religious resonance.
Mercedes originated as a Spanish title for the Virgin Mary, María de las Mercedes (Our Lady of Mercies). The Spanish word 'merced' means 'mercy' or 'grace,' from Latin 'merces' (reward, favor). As a given name, it was first used in the 19th century, often in Catholic families. The name gained international recognition through the Mercedes automobile brand, which was named after the daughter of its builder.
Where Mercedes is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mercy, Sadie, Cedes
Sibling names for Mercedes
Names that share Mercedes's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Carmen, Dolores, Isabella, Paloma, Rosa, Delores, Concepcion, Consuelo, Rocio, Amparo, Angeles, Candelaria, Caridad, Lourdes, Natividad, Soledad, Clemencia, Conception, Conchetta, Esperansa, Getsemani, Mariadelcarmen, Porche, Asuncion, Audi, Consepcion, Mersades, Nieves, Piedad, Porshe, Delorese, Inocencia, Monserrate, Pascuala, Remedios
Brothers: Diego, Javier, Miguel, Rafael, Santiago, Aniceto, Asencion, Doroteo, Edelmiro, Encarnacion, Higinio, Ildefonso, Seferino, Bienvenido, Canuto, Ponce
Names like Mercedes
Names whose popularity has moved with Mercedes's over the last 50 years.
