Find out how popular the first name Meri has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Meri by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Meri is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 13 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Meri.

The history of the first name Meri

The name Meri is believed to have its origins in ancient Egyptian culture, dating back to around 3100 BC. It is derived from the Egyptian word "mr", meaning "beloved" or "loved one". The name was commonly used for both males and females in ancient Egypt.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Meri can be found in the Pyramid Texts, a collection of ancient Egyptian funerary inscriptions from the Old Kingdom period (c. 2686-2181 BC). These texts mention a high official named Meri-Ra, who served during the reign of Pharaoh Pepi I.

In ancient Egyptian mythology, Meri was also the name of a minor goddess associated with singing and music. She was often depicted with a sistrum, a musical instrument used in religious ceremonies.

During the New Kingdom period (c. 1550-1070 BC), the name Meri gained popularity among the nobility and upper classes. One notable figure from this era was Meri-Ptah, a high priest and scribe who lived during the reign of Ramesses II (c. 1279-1213 BC).

In the biblical tradition, the name Meri is sometimes associated with the Hebrew name Miriam, the sister of Moses and Aaron. Although the names have different linguistic origins, they share a similar meaning of "beloved" or "beloved one".

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals named Meri. One example is Meri-Amon, an ancient Egyptian scribe and painter who lived during the 19th Dynasty (c. 1292-1189 BC). Another is Meri-Ra-Pepi, a high official and vizier who served under Pharaoh Pepi II (c. 2278-2184 BC).

In more recent times, the name Meri has been used by individuals from various cultures and backgrounds. One notable figure is Meri Engo, an Indonesian writer and activist born in 1936. Another is Meri Leisi, an Estonian artist and sculptor born in 1899 and died in 1986.

While the name Meri has its roots in ancient Egyptian culture, it has transcended its origins and has been embraced by people across different regions and time periods, reflecting its enduring appeal and the universal value placed on being loved and cherished.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Meri was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Meri, please contact us.

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