Merrell Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Merrell originates from the Old French name 'Meriel,' meaning 'sea.' Over time, it has evolved through variations including Meriel and Merrel. The name carries connotations of nature and adventure, reflecting its association with the sea. It has no biblical relevance and saw a rise in popularity in the 19th century as surnames became used as first names. Today, it is viewed as a distinctive name, often linked to outdoor lifestyles, and is associated with notable figures in music and politics.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Merrell"
Pronunciation
/ˈmɛrəl/
Origin
Old French
Etymology
The name Merrell is derived from the Old French name 'Meriel,' which is a diminutive of 'Mer' meaning 'sea.' The name has evolved through various linguistic influences over time.
Meaning
sea
Language Evolution
Meriel, Merrell, Merrel
Historical Usage
Merrell gained popularity in the 19th century and has been used as both a surname and a given name. Its usage increased as surnames began to transition into first names in English-speaking cultures.
Variants & Derivatives
Merrel, Merrill, Meryl
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Merrell is perceived as a unique and somewhat vintage name, often associated with outdoor activities due to its association with the Merrell footwear brand.
Famous People
Merrell Fankhauser - American musician and songwriter, Merrell V. Williams Jr. - American politician
📊 Merrell Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Merrell Name Visualizations
✨ Merrell Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 36 peak births in 1927
Geographic Spread
Popular across 1 US states, with strongest presence in Georgia
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 12 different American generations with varying popularity
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Merrell"
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 "Merrell"
"Merrell" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 1740th of 7545 | 309 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 1661st of 6773 | 333 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 2180th of 7552 | 264 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 3416th of 10718 | 144 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 7112th of 16616 | 75 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 14707th of 24088 | 33 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 21740th of 23106 | 6 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 5980th of 9107 | 30 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 4676th of 9204 | 65 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 7019th of 12526 | 50 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 19264th of 19264 | 5 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 27321st of 27321 | 5 |
Regional Popularity of "Merrell" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - |
77.71% 2217th/2853 |
- |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Merrell" by Generation for Female 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) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Merrell"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Merrell" 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 "Merrell" in the United States
The name Merrell is most popular in Georgia, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Baby Boomers 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, Merrell has been stalled for male in South. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in South. Across generations, 'Merrell' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 1740th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1661st out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 2180th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 3416th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 7112th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 14707th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 21740th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 5980th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 4676th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 7019th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 19264th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 27321st out of 27321 names. Discover how the name 'Merrell' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.