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Merrick Unisex

Popularity: #759 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationMER-ik / /ˈmɛrɪk/

Welsh; English

Meaning

Welsh: 'ruler of the sea'; English: 'marshland'

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Merrick has its roots in the Welsh language, derived from the Old Welsh name 'Myrddin,' which is often associated with the legendary figure Merlin. The etymology can be traced back to the Proto-Celtic *mirdin, meaning 'sea lord' or 'sea ruler.' This name evolved through various forms, including the Latin 'Merlinus' as it was adopted into Latin texts, before making its way into English usage during the medieval period, particularly through Arthurian legends that popularized the character of Merlin, the wizard and advisor to King Arthur.

Historically, the name Merrick has been borne by several notable figures, particularly in Welsh history. One significant milestone is the association with the 6th-century saint Merrick, also known as Saint Meriadoc, who is venerated in Wales. His legacy contributed to the name's endurance in Welsh culture and its eventual adoption in English-speaking regions. The name appears in various historical texts and genealogies throughout the Middle Ages, reflecting its significance in both religious and secular contexts.

Culturally, the name Merrick has connotations of wisdom and leadership, largely due to its connections with the legendary Merlin. The figure of Merlin has been a symbol of knowledge and magical prowess in literature and folklore, which has helped sustain the name's resonance over the centuries. Additionally, the diminutive form 'Merr' has been used in various contexts, although it is less common. Overall, Merrick embodies a rich tapestry of linguistic heritage and cultural significance, rooted deeply in Welsh tradition and Arthurian legend.

Trend Summary

Merrick has seen a gradual increase in popularity in the United States over the past few decades.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Merric
  • Merrik

International Variants

  • Merrick (English)
  • Merric (English)

Famous people named Merrick

Merrick Garland is an attorney and jurist best known for serving as U.S. Attorney General and as a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.

Merrick B. Garland is a lawyer and former judge best known for his nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court and his role in the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing case.

Fictional characters named Merrick

Merrick is a fictional character from the novel Merrick by Anne Rice. He is a vampire who possesses unique abilities and struggles with his identity and place in the world of the undead.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Merrick was first seen in the United States in 1905. Merrick has ranked as high as #1106 nationally, which occurred in 2018, and has been most popular in California, Texas, Florida, Ohio, and Michigan. In the past 5 years the name Merrick has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Merrick (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 16
16%
TX 11
11%
NC 9
9%
IN 8
8%
MN 7
7%
MO 7
7%
FL 7
7%
OH 7
7%
PA 6
6%
KY 6
6%
MI 6
6%
IL 5
5%
WI 5
5%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19055
19138
19156
191610
19177
19186
19199
19209
19219
192216
19236
19257
19269
19277
19296
19305
19337
19356
19366
19379
19389
193910
194010
194111
19429
19437
19449
194513
194618
194716
194814
194913
195010
195113
195217
195317
195419
195517
195618
195717
195818
195917
196013
196116
196215
196322
196414
196523
196616
196714
196818
196921
197027
197126
197223
197318
197428
197519
197629
197728
197829
197914
198018
198119
198215
198314
198417
198531
198620
198726
198823
198922
199022
199127
199234
199349
199440
199561
199659
199742
199858
199971
200069
200180
200264
200379
2004128
2005136
2006159
2007170
2008145
2009145
2010126
2011116
2012143
2013154
2014197
2015192
2016208
2017272
2018274
2019216
2020205
2021218
2022208
2023210
2024165