Merced Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Merced originates from Spanish, meaning 'mercy' or 'grace'. It evolved from the Latin 'merces' through Old Spanish to its modern form. The name is linked to the Virgin Mary and reflects traits of compassion. It does not have a direct biblical background. Merced became popular due to religious influences in the 13th century, and today it is viewed as a traditional name with positive associations.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Merced"
Pronunciation
/mɛrˈsɛd/
Origin
Spanish
Etymology
The name Merced is derived from the Spanish word 'merced', which means 'mercy' or 'grace'. It is often associated with the Virgen de la Merced, a title for the Virgin Mary.
Meaning
mercy, grace
Language Evolution
Latin: merces, Old Spanish: merced, Modern Spanish: merced
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in the Spanish-speaking world due to the veneration of the Virgin of Mercy in the 13th century.
Variants & Derivatives
Mercedes, Mercedita, Mercy
Modern Popularity & Image
Merced is often perceived as a traditional and elegant name, reflecting qualities of kindness and compassion.
Famous People
Mercedes Sosa, Mercedez Benz (brand name), Merced County, California (named after the river)
📊 Merced Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Merced Name Visualizations
✨ Merced Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 23 peak births in 1924
Geographic Spread
Popular across 2 US states, with strongest presence in Texas
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 13 different American generations with varying popularity
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Merced"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Merced"
"Merced" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 2857th of 7545 | 134 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 2737th of 6773 | 142 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 2843rd of 7552 | 159 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 4167th of 10718 | 99 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 5224th of 16616 | 134 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 10439th of 24088 | 78 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 17079th of 23106 | 18 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 4429th of 9107 | 73 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 5907th of 9204 | 33 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 8881st of 12526 | 23 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 15863rd of 19264 | 11 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 15632nd of 27321 | 36 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 35406th of 35406 | 5 |
Regional Popularity of "Merced" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - |
54.48% 1289th/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - |
51.55% 1213th/2353 |
61.28% 948th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - |
47.77% 1363rd/2853 |
- |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - |
50.91% 2059th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - |
53.58% 2783rd/5194 |
55.42% 3501st/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - |
68.67% 5022nd/7313 |
63.81% 4762nd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Merced" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - |
64.84% 1534th/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - |
85.13% 2003rd/2353 |
- |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - |
100.00% 2853rd/2853 |
100.00% 2775th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - |
100.00% 6317th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Merced"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Merced" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Merced" in the United States
The name Merced is most popular in Texas, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Silent Generation generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Merced has been stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Merced' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 2857th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 2737th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 2843rd out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 4167th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 5224th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 10439th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 17079th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 4429th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 5907th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 8881st out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 15863rd out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 15632nd out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 35406th out of 35406 names. Discover how the name 'Merced' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.