Rising since 2001, #3,130 for girls today.
Popularity of Merit since 1918
Babies named Merit per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1910s | 0 | 10 |
| 1920s | 0 | 13 |
| 1930s | 0 | 0 |
| 1940s | 0 | 5 |
| 1950s | 0 | 0 |
| 1960s | 11 | 0 |
| 1970s | 7 | 0 |
| 1980s | 11 | 0 |
| 1990s | 5 | 0 |
| 2000s | 42 | 11 |
| 2010s | 109 | 103 |
| 2020s | 131 | 86 |
Meaning & origin
Merit is a virtue name that has been in occasional use since the 17th-century Puritan era, but its modern revival is a more recent phenomenon. First recorded in 1965, the name saw a steady rise beginning in 2001, and as of 2025 it ranks 3,130 nationally. It is given to about 1 in every 31,515 newborns, making it a distinctive choice. The name reached its peak popularity in 2025, suggesting continued upward momentum. Many parents might be drawn to Merit's straightforward meaning and its similarity to other virtue names like Grace or Honor, though it remains far less common. Merit is most frequently found in Texas and California, reflecting the states with the highest usage. As a unisex name, it offers flexibility, though current data shows it is more often chosen for girls. Its rise in the 21st century aligns with a broader trend of virtue and aspirational word names.
Merit derives from the Latin 'meritum' meaning 'that which is deserved', entering English via Old French 'merite'. It was occasionally used as a Puritan virtue name in the 17th century, and has seen modern revival as a unisex given name, particularly in the United States since the 1960s.
Where Merit is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mer, Meri
Sibling names for Merit
Names that share Merit's style, for a brother or sister.
