Holding steady.
Popularity of Merla since 1908
Babies named Merla per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1949, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Merla's real moment was 1908.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1900s | 6 |
| 1910s | 19 |
| 1920s | 59 |
| 1930s | 107 |
| 1940s | 116 |
| 1950s | 90 |
| 1960s | 27 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Merla is a rarely used feminine name with a possible link to the Latin word for blackbird. First recorded in 1908, its peak year was also 1908, after which its usage has remained stable but minimal. The name has never appeared in the top 1000 rankings, and its 1-in-N rate is not available due to its rarity. Merla offers a simple, nature-inspired choice for parents seeking an uncommon vintage name.
Merla may be derived from the Latin 'merula,' meaning blackbird. In English, it has been used as a feminine given name, possibly influenced by the bird name or as a variant of Mabel. Records from the early 20th century show occasional use, but the name has never been common.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Merry
Sibling names for Merla
Names that share Merla's style, for a brother or sister.
