Meryl Unisex
Origin(s)
PronunciationMER-ul / /ˈmɛr.əl/English; French
Meaning
English: Of the sea; French: A variant of Meryl derived from the name Muriel
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Meryl is believed to be a modern variant of the name Muriel, which has its roots in the Old Irish name Muirgheal, meaning 'sea-bright' or 'bright sea.' The name Muirgheal evolved through various linguistic forms, transitioning into the Latinized form Muriel and later into Middle English. The introduction of the name into English-speaking contexts can be traced back to the Norman Conquest in the 11th century, where it was adopted and adapted into various forms, including Meryl.
Historically, the name Muriel was borne by several notable figures, including Muriel of the House of Stuart, a Scottish noblewoman in the 16th century. The name gained further recognition through its use in literature and the arts, particularly during the 19th and 20th centuries. The name Meryl itself became more widely recognized in the 20th century, largely due to the prominence of actress Meryl Streep, who has won multiple Academy Awards and is considered one of the greatest actresses of her generation. Her influence has contributed to the cultural resonance of the name, linking it to creativity and artistic achievement.
Culturally, the name Meryl, while not as historically entrenched as some other names, carries connotations of brightness and clarity, reflective of its etymological roots. The name's association with the sea may evoke themes of depth and fluidity, which can resonate with various cultural narratives. Additionally, diminutive forms like Meri or Mery can be seen as affectionate adaptations, although they are less commonly used in historical contexts. Overall, Meryl's journey from its Irish origins to contemporary usage highlights the dynamic nature of names and their ability to evolve while retaining connections to their linguistic heritage.
Trend Summary
Meryl has seen fluctuating popularity in the United States, peaking in the 1940s and 1980s.
Similar Names
Variants
- Merle
International Variants
- Mireille (French)
- Mireya (Spanish)
Famous people named Meryl
Meryl Streep is an actress best known for The Devil Wears Prada, Sophie's Choice, and Kramer vs. Kramer.
Meryl Davis is a figure skater best known for winning a gold medal at the 2014 Winter Olympics and her performances on Dancing with the Stars.
Fictional characters named Meryl
Meryl is a fictional character from the video game series Final Fantasy. She is a skilled fighter and a member of the resistance against oppressive forces in her world.
Meryl is a fictional character from the anime and manga series Trigun. She is an insurance agent who travels with Vash the Stampede to assess the damage caused by his adventures.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Meryl was first seen in the United States in 1892. Meryl has ranked as high as #944 nationally, which occurred in 1956, and has been most popular in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, California, and Illinois. In the past 5 years the name Meryl has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Meryl (2015)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 6 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1892 | 6 |
| 1893 | 5 |
| 1896 | 5 |
| 1897 | 6 |
| 1898 | 9 |
| 1901 | 5 |
| 1902 | 7 |
| 1903 | 7 |
| 1905 | 8 |
| 1906 | 8 |
| 1908 | 9 |
| 1909 | 5 |
| 1910 | 8 |
| 1911 | 8 |
| 1912 | 21 |
| 1913 | 18 |
| 1914 | 16 |
| 1915 | 19 |
| 1916 | 22 |
| 1917 | 29 |
| 1918 | 29 |
| 1919 | 18 |
| 1920 | 32 |
| 1921 | 21 |
| 1922 | 22 |
| 1923 | 37 |
| 1924 | 36 |
| 1925 | 35 |
| 1926 | 36 |
| 1927 | 25 |
| 1928 | 41 |
| 1929 | 30 |
| 1930 | 37 |
| 1931 | 40 |
| 1932 | 29 |
| 1933 | 28 |
| 1934 | 22 |
| 1935 | 25 |
| 1936 | 37 |
| 1937 | 16 |
| 1938 | 25 |
| 1939 | 31 |
| 1940 | 15 |
| 1941 | 30 |
| 1942 | 33 |
| 1943 | 31 |
| 1944 | 45 |
| 1945 | 69 |
| 1946 | 70 |
| 1947 | 97 |
| 1948 | 112 |
| 1949 | 125 |
| 1950 | 124 |
| 1951 | 119 |
| 1952 | 141 |
| 1953 | 132 |
| 1954 | 143 |
| 1955 | 125 |
| 1956 | 156 |
| 1957 | 141 |
| 1958 | 94 |
| 1959 | 108 |
| 1960 | 100 |
| 1961 | 79 |
| 1962 | 76 |
| 1963 | 78 |
| 1964 | 65 |
| 1965 | 51 |
| 1966 | 45 |
| 1967 | 34 |
| 1968 | 37 |
| 1969 | 46 |
| 1970 | 34 |
| 1971 | 21 |
| 1972 | 31 |
| 1973 | 21 |
| 1974 | 18 |
| 1975 | 14 |
| 1976 | 17 |
| 1977 | 7 |
| 1978 | 12 |
| 1979 | 24 |
| 1980 | 63 |
| 1981 | 46 |
| 1982 | 68 |
| 1983 | 72 |
| 1984 | 71 |
| 1985 | 72 |
| 1986 | 79 |
| 1987 | 65 |
| 1988 | 68 |
| 1989 | 59 |
| 1990 | 49 |
| 1991 | 30 |
| 1992 | 45 |
| 1993 | 33 |
| 1994 | 39 |
| 1995 | 33 |
| 1996 | 26 |
| 1997 | 25 |
| 1998 | 31 |
| 1999 | 24 |
| 2000 | 19 |
| 2001 | 11 |
| 2002 | 20 |
| 2003 | 22 |
| 2004 | 15 |
| 2005 | 25 |
| 2006 | 25 |
| 2007 | 22 |
| 2008 | 17 |
| 2009 | 27 |
| 2010 | 18 |
| 2011 | 17 |
| 2012 | 34 |
| 2013 | 18 |
| 2014 | 29 |
| 2015 | 50 |
| 2016 | 30 |
| 2017 | 20 |
| 2018 | 25 |
| 2019 | 22 |
| 2020 | 21 |
| 2021 | 17 |
| 2022 | 16 |
| 2023 | 20 |
| 2024 | 23 |