Declining since 1985, #6,143 for boys today.
Popularity of Merrill since 1880
Babies named Merrill per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1926, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Merrill's real moment was 1915.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 0 | 111 |
| 1890s | 0 | 201 |
| 1900s | 16 | 317 |
| 1910s | 94 | 1,880 |
| 1920s | 139 | 2,820 |
| 1930s | 149 | 2,298 |
| 1940s | 326 | 1,941 |
| 1950s | 419 | 1,446 |
| 1960s | 253 | 774 |
| 1970s | 127 | 468 |
| 1980s | 167 | 318 |
| 1990s | 146 | 192 |
| 2000s | 104 | 84 |
| 2010s | 96 | 91 |
| 2020s | 41 | 47 |
Meaning & origin
Merrill is a unisex name that originated as a Welsh surname, derived from ap Meredydd meaning 'son of Meredydd'. It first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1880, and experienced its peak popularity in 1915. Since 1985, its usage has been falling steadily. Parents today may appreciate its soft sound and surname style, which fits modern naming trends that favor gender-neutral names with historical roots.
Merrill derives from the Welsh surname ap Meredydd 'son of Meredydd', itself possibly from elements meaning 'sea' and 'hill' or 'bright'. The surname was Anglicized as Meredith and also as Merrill. As a given name, Merrill emerged in the United States in the late 19th century, often used for both boys and girls, with peak popularity in the 1910s.
Where Merrill is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys 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: Merr, Merry
Variants: Merill, Meryl
Sibling names for Merrill
Names that share Merrill's style, for a brother or sister.
