Holding steady.
Popularity of Merryl since 1943
Babies named Merryl per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 68 |
| 1950s | 131 |
| 1960s | 45 |
| 1970s | 6 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Merryl first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1943, a mid-century modern coinage that never achieved wide popularity. Its peak year was 1955, during the 1950s when similar names like Meryl and Merrill saw modest use. The name has remained stable but rare, with no notable surges in recent decades. As a variant of Meryl, it shares the uncertain etymology of that name, often tied to the Gaelic Muriel meaning 'bright sea' or a blend of Mary and Cheryl. Merryl has never ranked among the top 1,000 names, making it a distinctive choice for parents seeking a retro yet uncommon name from the mid-20th century.
Merryl is a modern English given name that emerged in the mid-20th century, first recorded in 1943. It is likely a variant of Meryl, which itself arose as a respelling of the Scottish Gaelic name Muriel (meaning 'bright sea') or as a blend of Mary and Cheryl. The name saw modest use during the 1950s, peaking in 1955, but has since remained rare.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Merry, Meri, Lyn
Sibling names for Merryl
Names that share Merryl's style, for a brother or sister.
