Merrilyn Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Merrilyn is an English name derived from the combination of 'Merry', meaning joyful, and the diminutive suffix '-lyn'. It has evolved from historical forms such as Merry and Merrie. The name reflects positivity and cheerfulness, with no biblical relevance. It gained popularity in the 20th century and is associated with a light-hearted image. Variants include Merry and Lyn.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Merrilyn"
Pronunciation
/ˈmɛrɪlɪn/
Origin
English
Etymology
Merrilyn is a modern name that is derived from the combination of the name 'Merry' and the suffix '-lyn'. 'Merry' comes from the Old English word 'myrige', meaning 'pleasant' or 'joyful', while '-lyn' is a diminutive suffix that has been popularized in various names.
Meaning
joyful, pleasant
Language Evolution
Merry, Merrie, Merrilyn
Historical Usage
Merrilyn emerged as a name in the 20th century, gaining popularity particularly in English-speaking countries during the mid-1900s.
Variants & Derivatives
Merry, Merrie, Lyn, Meri
Modern Popularity & Image
Merrilyn is perceived as a cheerful and whimsical name, often associated with light-heartedness and positivity. It is less common today but retains a vintage charm.
Famous People
Merrilyn McGowan (a notable figure in arts and culture), Merrilyn Annett (an accomplished author)
📊 Merrilyn Name Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Merrilyn Name Visualizations
✨ Merrilyn Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 40 peak births in 1944
Geographic Spread
Popular across 2 US states, with strongest presence in California
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 4 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Same Pronunciation Names for "Merrilyn" - Complete Guide (7 Names)
Discover the ultimate list of homophone names and same pronunciation names that sound identical to "Merrilyn". These names share the same pronunciation but may have different spellings, offering alternative options for parents seeking similar-sounding names. Whether you're looking for American or British pronunciation variations, this comprehensive guide includes 7 carefully curated names that maintain the same phonetic sound.
Why explore same pronunciation names? Many parents search for homophone names to find alternative spellings that might be more unique or culturally significant. This ultimate list covers both American and British pronunciation patterns, ensuring you find the perfect variation of "Merrilyn" that fits your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Merrilyn"
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 "Merrilyn"
"Merrilyn" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 4621st of 9107 | 65 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 1882nd of 9204 | 348 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 2916th of 12526 | 301 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 10888th of 19264 | 37 |
Regional Popularity of "Merrilyn" 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) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Merrilyn" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
100.00% 1546th/1546 |
- | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - |
85.12% 2362nd/2775 |
| 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 "Merrilyn"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Merrilyn" 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 "Merrilyn" in the United States
The name Merrilyn is most popular in California, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Baby Boomers generation in the West region. 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, Merrilyn has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Merrilyn' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 4621st out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1882nd out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 2916th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 10888th out of 19264 names. Discover how the name 'Merrilyn' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.