Merit
Pronunciation: [ m-EHR-uht ]
Does Merit flow with your last name?
A distinctive girl name with a rare, memorable quality.
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
Similar Names
Names Like Merit
Same sound, same style — different options
Nicknames
Nicknames for Merit
4 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
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Browse nicknames →Historical Record
Merit first appeared in US Social Security records in 1965.
Over 265 babies have been named Merit in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Merit is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #7,713 for girl names in the US .
Popularity Over Time
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
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See all →"creative variant of Maisie"
"white, fair"
"grandmother, elder woman"
"pleasure, delight"
"elf ruler (alternative folk etymology)"
Compare Merit with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Popularity Rank
- #7,713
- Total SSA Count
- 15
Alternative Spellings
Nicknames
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Merit is also used as a boy name, ranked #6508.
View Merit as a boy name →Similar Names
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View all →Modern American origin
"creative variant of Maisie"
#7,844 in US
Arabic origin
"white, fair"
#7,758 in US
Swahili origin
"grandmother, elder woman"
#7,701 in US
Hebrew adnah origin
"pleasure, delight"
#7,643 in US
Old English origin
"elf ruler (alternative folk etymology)"
#7,630 in US
West African origin
"first-born daughter"
#7,556 in US
Swahili origin
"mystery, secret"
#7,752 in US
Japanese origin
"walking, pace, progress"
#7,715 in US
Save Your Name Card
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Frequently Asked Questions About Merit
Is Merit a boy or girl name?
How do you pronounce Merit?
How popular is the name Merit?
What are common nicknames for Merit?
Is Merit a common or rare name?
What girl names are similar to Merit?
Are there other spellings for Merit?
About the Name Merit
Merit is a girl name .
Is Merit a boy or girl name? Merit is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #7,713 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #6,508. Merit is more commonly used as a boy name.
Merit is currently ranked #7,713 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
Common nicknames for Merit include Mer, Mey, Meie, and Merkins. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Merit include Merida . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
Keep Exploring
Recommended for Parents
Start a registry
Free welcome box on Amazon
Baby Name Wizard
Names that actually age well
Nursery name sign
Personalized wooden letters
We may earn a commission from these links.
Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis