Meryl vs Theodore

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Meryl

Girl #5,487 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"bright sea, shining pool"

Origin: Celtic/Welsh

Cultural Roots

Welsh English American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#5,487
Total SSA Count
23
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Mer

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Meryl →

Theodore

Boy #4 Most Popular 3 Syllables

Meaning

"divine gift"

Origin: Greek

Cultural Roots

English French Greek

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#4
Total SSA Count
12,011
Syllables
3
Formality
Formal
Nicknames
Theo, Teddy, Ted

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Theodore →

Popularity Comparison

Meryl Rank #5,487
Theodore Rank #4

Theodore is more popular, ranked #4 vs #5487 for Meryl.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Meryl ___

  • Meryl Anne
  • Meryl Louise
  • Meryl Grace
  • Meryl Jane
  • Meryl Claire
  • Meryl Elizabeth

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 Meryl

Celia Hazel Gwen Sylvia Audrey

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 Meryl or Theodore more popular?

Theodore is more popular, ranked #4 compared to Meryl at #5487 in the United States.

What do Meryl and Theodore mean?

Meryl means "bright sea, shining pool" (Celtic/Welsh origin). Theodore means "divine gift" (Greek origin).

Are Meryl and Theodore boy or girl names?

Meryl is primarily a girl name. Theodore is primarily a boy name.

More Comparisons

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