MallowbyNames

Mert

MERT · Of uncertain origin; possibly derived from Turkish 'mert' meaning 'brave, courageous'.

2025 rank (boys)
#4,249
Babies named in 2025
24
Peak popularity
2018
2025 frequency
1 in 71,170 boys
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Rising since 1991

Rising since 1991, #4,249 for boys today.

Popularity of Mert since 1915

Babies named Mert per year in U.S. Social Security records.

112132192019602000Most births 2018Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1910s5
1920s16
1930s5
1940s5
1950s5
1960s5
1970s0
1980s0
1990s50
2000s140
2010s217
2020s106

Meaning & origin

Mert is a Turkish name that has seen steady, modest use in the United States. Its earliest recorded appearance was in 1915, but the name truly began to climb in popularity from the 1990s onward. With a rank of 4,249 in the latest year (1 in 71,170 newborns), Mert remains an uncommon choice. Its peak usage came in 2018, and it has been rising since 1991. The name is most frequently given in California, reflecting its appeal among Turkish-American communities and others seeking a short, distinctive masculine name.

Mert is a Turkish name that is likely derived from the Persian word 'mard' (meaning 'man'), related to the concept of manliness and bravery. The name has been used in Turkey since at least the early 20th century, though it gained significant popularity in the 1990s and beyond.

Where Mert is most popular

Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.

Sibling names for Mert

Names that share Mert's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

M is for Mert, our favorite little boy.

M is for Mert…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Mert's letter becomes Mert's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Mert's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does Mert mean?
Mert is a Turkish name that likely means 'brave' or 'courageous', with roots in the Persian word 'mard' for 'man'.
Is Mert a common name?
Mert is not a common name in the United States, ranking 4,249th in 1965 and given to 1 in every 71,170 babies in the latest recorded year.
Is Mert a boy or girl name?
Mert is a masculine name.