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

Popularity of Meris by gender

Based on the last 39 years of data, Meris 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 Meris.

The history of the first name Meris

The name Meris is derived from the Ancient Egyptian language and is believed to have originated around 2500 BCE. It is thought to be a combination of the words "mer," meaning beloved, and "is," referring to the goddess Isis. In Ancient Egyptian mythology, Isis was the powerful goddess of fertility, magic, and motherhood, revered for her unwavering devotion to her husband, Osiris.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Meris can be found in the Egyptian Book of the Dead, a collection of funerary texts dating back to the 16th century BCE. The name appears in various hieroglyphic inscriptions and papyri, often associated with women of high social status or religious significance.

During the Ptolemaic Period (323-30 BCE), when Ancient Egypt was ruled by the Macedonian Greek Ptolemaic Dynasty, the name Meris gained popularity among the ruling elite. This was likely due to the influence of the Egyptian culture and the desire to honor the goddess Isis.

One notable figure bearing the name Meris was Meris of Alexandria, a renowned mathematician and engineer who lived in the 3rd century BCE. She is credited with contributing significantly to the field of mathematics and developing innovative engineering techniques for constructing large-scale structures.

In the 1st century CE, Meris was the name of a prominent priestess of Isis in the city of Philae, located in present-day Egypt. Her name and position were immortalized in numerous temple inscriptions and hieroglyphic carvings, reflecting the importance of the Isis cult during that era.

During the Byzantine Period (330-1453 CE), the name Meris was adopted by several influential women within the Eastern Orthodox Church. One such figure was Saint Meris of Constantinople, a 5th-century nun renowned for her piety, wisdom, and charitable works. Her legacy has been preserved in various hagiographies and church records.

In the 12th century, Meris was the name of a highly respected female scholar and physician who lived in the city of Cordoba, in what is now Spain. She made significant contributions to the fields of medicine and philosophy, and her writings were widely studied throughout the Islamic world.

Throughout history, the name Meris has been borne by numerous individuals, reflecting its enduring appeal and cultural significance across various civilizations and time periods.

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

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

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