"worthy, deserved"
Origin: Latin
Language: Latin
Merida
Pronunciation: [ m-er-EED-uh ]
Does Merida flow with your last name?
A fierce Scottish princess with wild curls and wilder spirit
Scottish
American
Strong
Bold
Earthy
Whimsical
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Merida
2 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"one of high honor"
Origin: Celtic
Language: Scottish Gaelic
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Things to Know About This Name
- Strongly associated with the Pixar film Brave (2012); almost exclusively recognized through this character for most people
The Story of Merida
Merida gained widespread recognition through the Pixar film Brave (2012), where it's the name of the fierce Scottish princess protagonist. The name likely derives from Latin 'merita' meaning deserved or worthy, though it may also have Spanish roots (Mérida is a city in Spain). The character's fiery independence gave the name its current adventurous spirit.
Merida saw a notable spike in use after Brave was released in 2012, particularly in the US and UK. It has remained in use as parents appreciate its distinctive sound and association with a strong, independent female character.
In the Pixar film, Merida is a Scottish princess who fights for her own destiny — making her a symbol of female independence and courage in modern children's media. The character is Pixar's first female protagonist.
Historical Record
Merida first appeared in US Social Security records in 1951.
Over 1,367 babies have been named Merida in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Merida is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #2,462 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Merida is Pixar's first princess and the first to not have a love story as the central plot
- Mérida is an ancient Roman city in Spain (formerly Emerita Augusta)
- The voice of Merida in Brave was Kelly Macdonald, a Scottish actress
Merida in Other Languages
French
Mérida
Gaelic
Mèirid
Spanish
Mérida
Popularity Over Time
#2,462
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Merida
M
Merida Fictional
Other
The fearless, bow-wielding Scottish princess from Pixar's Brave (2012), first female Pixar protagonist
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Compare Merida with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #2,462
- Total SSA Count
- 73
- Cultural Origins
- Scottish American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Meri
Rida
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, Scottish heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, American heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Merida
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Merida is also used as a boy name, ranked #29996.
View Merida as a boy name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (Scottish)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Merida
What does the name Merida mean?
"worthy, deserved" (from Latin). "one of high honor" (from Celtic). Merida gained widespread recognition through the Pixar film Brave (2012), where it's the name of the fierce Scottish princess protagonist. The name likely derives from Latin 'merita' meaning deserved or worthy, though it may also have Spanish roots (Mérida is a city in Spain). The character's fiery independence gave the name its current adventurous spirit.
What is the origin of the name Merida?
Merida has Latin, Celtic, Scottish, and American origins. In Latin, it means "worthy, deserved". In Celtic, it means "one of high honor".
Is Merida a boy or girl name?
Merida is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #2462. As a boy name, it is ranked #29996. Merida is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Merida?
Merida is pronounced m-er-EED-uh.
How popular is the name Merida?
Merida is currently ranked #2462 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Merida?
Common nicknames for Merida include Meri and Rida.
What are good middle names for Merida?
Popular middle name pairings include Merida Rose, Merida Dawn, Merida Fern, Merida Skye, Merida Wren, and Merida Blair.
What are good sibling names for Merida?
Names that pair well with Merida as siblings include Brave, Archer, Fern, Skye, Loch, and Rowan.
How many syllables does Merida have?
Merida has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Merida a common or rare name?
Merida is an uncommon name, ranked #2462 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Merida
Merida is a girl name with Scottish and American origins . The name means "worthy, deserved" in Latin .
Is Merida a boy or girl name? Merida is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #2,462 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #29,996. Merida is more commonly used as a girl name.
Merida is currently ranked #2,462 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Merida has 3 syllables and is pronounced m-er-EED-uh, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Merida include Meri and Rida. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis