Find out how popular the first name Merika has been for the last 16 years (from 1980 to 1995) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Merika by gender

Based on the last 16 years of data, Merika is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1995, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Merika.

The history of the first name Merika

The name Merika is believed to have originated from the Ancient Greek language, with roots tracing back to the 5th century BCE. It is derived from the word "merikos," which means "partial" or "incomplete." This ties into the concept of individuality and uniqueness, as each person is a unique and incomplete piece of a larger whole.

In the early days of Ancient Greece, Merika was not a commonly used name. However, it gained more prominence during the Hellenistic period, which spanned from the 4th to 1st centuries BCE. During this time, the name appeared in some historical records and literary works, though the specific references are scarce.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Merika can be found in the writings of the Greek philosopher Aristotle, who lived from 384 to 322 BCE. He used the term "merikos" in his work "Metaphysics" to describe the concept of individuality and the nature of being.

Throughout the centuries, the name Merika has been carried by several notable individuals. One of the earliest known was Merika of Thasos, a Greek poet who lived in the 3rd century BCE. Her works have been lost to time, but she was celebrated for her lyrical poetry during her lifetime.

In the 2nd century CE, there was Merika of Ephesus, a renowned physician and scholar. She is credited with contributing to the advancement of medical knowledge and practices in the ancient world.

During the Byzantine Empire, which lasted from the 4th to the 15th century CE, the name Merika was borne by several women of noble birth. One notable figure was Merika Komnenos, a princess who lived in the 12th century CE and was known for her patronage of the arts and literature.

In the realm of religion, there was Saint Merika of Antioch, a 4th-century Christian martyr who was persecuted for her faith. Her story of unwavering devotion and sacrifice has been preserved in various religious texts and hagiographies.

Another notable figure was Merika Palaiologina, a Byzantine princess who lived in the 14th century CE. She was renowned for her intelligence and diplomatic skills, and played a crucial role in negotiating alliances and political agreements during her lifetime.

While the name Merika has ancient roots and a rich history, it has remained relatively uncommon throughout the centuries. However, its unique meaning and connection to the concept of individuality have made it a distinctive and intriguing choice for parents seeking a name with a strong cultural heritage.

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 Merika was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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