Merle vs Theodore

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Merle

Boy #4,664 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"blackbird"

Origin: Old French from Latin merula

Cultural Roots

French English American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#4,664
Total SSA Count
22
Syllables
1
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Mer, Mey, Meie

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Merle →

Popularity Comparison

Merle Rank #4,664
Theodore Rank #4

Theodore is more popular, ranked #4 vs #4664 for Merle.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Merle ___

  • Merle Wayne
  • Merle Ray
  • Merle Dean
  • Merle Gene
  • Merle Lee
  • Merle Dale

Theodore ___

  • Theodore James
  • Theodore William
  • Theodore Alexander
  • Theodore John
  • Theodore Henry
  • Theodore Arthur

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Merle

Earl Glen Dale Vera Pearl

If you choose Theodore

Olivia Charlotte Amelia Eleanor Oliver

Which Name Fits Your Family?

Answer 3 quick questions and we'll help you decide.

1. Which style feels more like your family?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Merle or Theodore more popular?

Theodore is more popular, ranked #4 compared to Merle at #4664 in the United States.

What do Merle and Theodore mean?

Merle means "blackbird" (Old French from Latin merula origin). Theodore means "divine gift" (Greek origin).

Are Merle and Theodore boy or girl names?

Merle is primarily a boy name. Theodore is primarily a boy name.

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← Full profile: Merle ← Full profile: Theodore Browse all baby names