Merl
Pronunciation: [ m-ERL ]
Merl is a boy baby name. Ranked #32,475 in the US.
A distinctive boy name with a rare, memorable quality.
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
Meaning & Origin
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Historical Record
Merl first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 494 babies have been named Merl in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Merl is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #32,475 for boy names in the US .
Popularity Over Time
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Popularity Rank
- #32,475
- 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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Classic pairing, 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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Classic pairing, 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 Girl Name
Merl is also used as a girl name, ranked #70948.
View Merl as a girl name →Similar Names
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View all →Proto-Indo-European origin
"divine, heavenly"
#32,277 in US
Arabic (layla) / Hebrew (lila) origin
"night, dark beauty (beautiful night)"
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Greek origin
"earth mother"
#32,412 in US
Scottish Gaelic cnoc origin
"from the round hill"
#32,459 in US
Spanish diminutive of Anaconda origin
"serpent-like, winding"
#32,422 in US
French Chéri origin
"beloved"
#32,353 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 boy names are similar to Merl?
About the Name Merl
Merl is a boy name .
Is Merl a boy or girl name? Merl is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #32,475 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #70,948. Merl is more commonly used as a boy name.
Merl is currently ranked #32,475 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
Alternative spellings of Merl include Merrick, Merritt, Merlin, Mervin, Mercer . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
Keep Exploring
Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis