Mercy Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Mercy has its origins in Latin, with meanings related to compassion and kindness. It evolved through various languages, including Old French and Middle English, and has been used to reflect virtuous traits. Its biblical significance emphasizes themes of forgiveness. The name gained popularity in the 17th century and continues to be viewed positively in modern times, associated with empathy and grace.
The name Mercy is most popular in Arizona, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation Alpha 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, Mercy has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, too falling for female in South, too falling for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Mercy' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 7545th out of 7545 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 24088th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 5535th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 1495th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1200th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 1556th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1902nd out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 2363rd out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 1368th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 800th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Mercy' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Mercy"
Pronunciation
/ˈmɜːrsi/
Origin
Latin
Etymology
The name Mercy is derived from the Latin word 'merces', meaning 'reward' or 'grace', which evolved into the Old French 'merci', meaning 'pity' or 'compassion'.
Meaning
Compassion, kindness
Language Evolution
Latin: merces, Old French: merci, Middle English: mercie, Modern English: Mercy
Biblical Background
The name is associated with the concept of mercy in Christian theology, emphasizing compassion and forgiveness.
Historical Usage
The name Mercy gained popularity in the 17th century, particularly among Puritan communities in England and colonial America, where it was commonly used as a virtue name.
Variants & Derivatives
Mercie, Merce, Mersy
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, the name Mercy is seen as a gentle and compassionate name, often associated with kindness and empathy.
Famous People
Mercy Otis Warren, an American poet and playwright, Mercy Me, a contemporary Christian band
Explore More Mercy Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Mercy"
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 "Mercy"
"Mercy" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 7545th of 7545 | 5 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 24088th of 24088 | 5 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 5535th of 23106 | 197 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 1495th of 9107 | 504 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 1200th of 9204 | 708 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 1556th of 12526 | 851 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 1902nd of 19264 | 747 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 2363rd of 27321 | 786 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 1368th of 35406 | 2,502 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 800th of 30306 | 4,130 |
Regional Popularity of "Mercy" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - |
74.46% 5080th/6822 |
- |
Regional Popularity of "Mercy" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - |
64.33% 1522nd/2366 |
44.92% 513th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - |
63.32% 1490th/2353 |
27.99% 433rd/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- |
95.80% 2328th/2430 |
50.89% 1452nd/2853 |
25.55% 709th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- |
67.70% 2358th/3483 |
43.75% 1539th/3518 |
27.60% 1116th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- |
50.79% 2273rd/4475 |
44.61% 2317th/5194 |
24.87% 1571st/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
32.87% 1506th/4582 |
31.70% 1637th/5164 |
18.46% 1350th/7313 |
19.08% 1424th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
18.05% 719th/3984 |
26.57% 1192nd/4487 |
10.52% 718th/6822 |
13.99% 878th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Mercy"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Mercy" 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.