Declining since 2016, #2,645 for girls today.
Popularity of Merida since 1916
Babies named Merida per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 6 |
| 1920s | 17 |
| 1930s | 46 |
| 1940s | 65 |
| 1950s | 50 |
| 1960s | 66 |
| 1970s | 59 |
| 1980s | 43 |
| 1990s | 20 |
| 2000s | 10 |
| 2010s | 719 |
| 2020s | 466 |
Meaning & origin
Merida is a name of uncertain origin, possibly connected to the Spanish city Mérida or an Arabic word meaning 'deserving praise'. In the U.S., the name has been recorded since 1916, but it saw a significant spike in usage following the 2012 Disney film 'Brave'. Its peak year was 2017, when it ranked 2,645, appearing in 1 in every 24,727 births. Since 2016, the name's popularity has been falling, though it remains in use. Top states for the name include Florida, Texas, and California, reflecting its appeal in regions with Hispanic cultural influence. The name remains rare, giving it a distinctive quality for those who choose it.
Merida is a name of uncertain origin. It may be derived from the Spanish city Mérida, whose name comes from the Latin 'Emerita Augusta' (meaning 'veteran soldiers'). Alternatively, it could be connected to the Arabic name 'Marida' or 'Mariyya', meaning 'deserving praise' or 'worthy'. The name gained modern awareness from the Disney film 'Brave' (2012), but it has been in sporadic use in the United States since the early 20th century.
Where Merida is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Merida” around the world
Where Merida lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Sibling names for Merida
Names that share Merida's style, for a brother or sister.
