Rising since 1985, #862 for girls today.
Popularity of Mercy since 1881
Babies named Mercy per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 53 |
| 1890s | 25 |
| 1900s | 61 |
| 1910s | 187 |
| 1920s | 359 |
| 1930s | 368 |
| 1940s | 397 |
| 1950s | 494 |
| 1960s | 371 |
| 1970s | 531 |
| 1980s | 421 |
| 1990s | 677 |
| 2000s | 1,533 |
| 2010s | 3,136 |
| 2020s | 2,019 |
Meaning & origin
Mercy is a classic virtue name that has maintained steady use since the 19th century, with its rank in 2025 at 862 and a 1-in-5,135 frequency. Its popularity has been rising since 1985, reaching a peak in 2019. The name is most common in states like Iowa, Tennessee, and Arkansas. Mercy belongs to the tradition of Puritan virtue names that emerged in the 16th and 17th centuries, names that directly express desirable moral qualities. Unlike some virtue names that have fallen out of fashion, Mercy has enjoyed a quiet resurgence, appealing to parents who want a name with deep spiritual meaning and a gentle, melodic sound. Its simplicity and clarity make it accessible while its religious and historical resonance gives it weight.
Mercy derives from the Middle English 'mercy', from Old French 'merci', meaning 'pity, mercy', and ultimately from Latin 'merces' meaning 'reward, pity'. It was adopted as a given name by Puritans in the 16th century, who chose virtue names to reflect desirable qualities. The name has been used consistently since, often associated with the Christian concept of divine mercy.
Where Mercy 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: Mer, Merce
Sibling names for Mercy
Names that share Mercy's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Grace, Faith, Hope, Patience, Charity, Doloris, Hester, Bliss, Honor, Chasiti, Chastidy, Faithlynn, Faythe, Sister, Blessed, Calvary, Cherity, Gracious, Wealthy, Chairty, Charidy, Charitie, Comfort, Joyous, Sincerity
Brothers: Justice, Solomon, Ezra, Caleb, Levi, Ebenezer, Psalm, Gentle, Marvyn, Prophet, Saviour, Welcome
