Merin first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Merin has been for the last 39 years (from 1980 to 2018) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Merin

Of French origin, a feminine name meaning "shining sea".

Popularity of Merin by gender

Based on the last 39 years of data, Merin is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2018, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Merin.

Year Male Count Female Count
2018 0 5
2014 0 9
2013 0 6
2012 0 5
2010 0 9
2009 0 15
2008 0 10
2007 0 10
2006 0 10
2005 0 9
2004 0 9
2003 0 9
2002 0 7
2001 0 6
1999 0 6
1998 0 5
1997 0 5
1996 0 9
1995 0 5
1984 0 6
1983 0 8
1981 0 7
1980 0 6

The history of the first name Merin

The name Merin is believed to have originated from the Breton language, which is a Celtic language spoken in the Brittany region of northwestern France. It is thought to be derived from the ancient Breton word "mor," meaning "sea" or "ocean."

In its earliest forms, the name was likely spelled as "Merin" or "Merin," with variations such as "Merin" and "Merin" also being used. The name's association with the sea is a reflection of the maritime culture and traditions of the Breton people, who have a long history of seafaring and coastal living.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Merin can be found in the Breton epic poem "Barzaz Breiz," which dates back to the 19th century. The poem mentions a character named Merin, who is described as a brave and skilled sailor.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Merin. One example is Merin de Redon (c. 1150-1220), a Breton monk and historian who authored several important works on the history and culture of Brittany.

Another prominent figure with the name Merin was Merin le Plounevez (c. 1380-1450), a Breton knight who fought alongside Joan of Arc during the Hundred Years' War. He was renowned for his bravery and skill in battle.

In the realm of literature, Merin Lissouarn (1842-1912) was a Breton poet and writer who played a significant role in the revival of the Breton language and culture in the late 19th century.

Moving into the 20th century, Merin Le Gall (1901-1985) was a renowned Breton sculptor and artist known for his works depicting Breton life and traditions.

Finally, Merin Le Bras (1945-2011) was a prominent Breton politician and activist who fought for the preservation of Breton language and culture. He served as the president of the Breton Cultural Council from 1992 to 2006.

While the name Merin has its roots in the Breton language and culture, it has also gained popularity in other parts of the world, particularly in areas with strong Celtic or maritime influences.

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

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

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"Merin first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on September 27, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/merin-meaning-and-history/.

"Merin first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/merin-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 27 September, 2025

Merin first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/merin-meaning-and-history/.

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