Merl
Pronunciation: [ m-ERL ]
Does Merl flow with your last name?
A distinctive girl name with a rare, memorable quality.
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
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Start comparing →Historical Record
Merl first appeared in US Social Security records in 1951.
Over 11 babies have been named Merl in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Merl is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #70,948 for girl names in the US .
Popularity Over Time
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Popularity Rank
- #70,948
- Total SSA Count
- 5
Alternative Spellings
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Timeless choice, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, quick 1-1 syllable combo
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Merl is also used as a boy name, ranked #32475.
View Merl as a boy name →Similar Names
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View all →Old High German origin
"peaceful ruler"
#70,947 in US
English origin
"gift of God"
#70,829 in US
Latin/Germanic origin
"land of the Franks, free people"
#70,924 in US
Latin origin
"military encampment (castra)"
#70,920 in US
Old Norse influence origin
"warrior, brave man"
#70,990 in US
English origin
"feminine form of Chester"
#71,025 in US
Japanese origin
"shining generation, luminous era"
#71,067 in US
Save Your Name Card
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Frequently Asked Questions About Merl
Is Merl a boy or girl name?
How do you pronounce Merl?
How popular is the name Merl?
Is Merl a common or rare name?
What girl names are similar to Merl?
Browse all middle names, sibling names, or similar names.
About the Name Merl
Merl is a girl name .
Is Merl a boy or girl name? Merl is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #70,948 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #32,475. Merl is more commonly used as a boy name.
Merl is currently ranked #70,948 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
Alternative spellings of Merl include Meredith, Mercy, Merritt, Mercedes, Merida . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
Keep Exploring
Recommended for Parents
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Baby Name Wizard
Names that actually age well
Nursery name sign
Personalized wooden letters
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis