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

Popularity of Merle by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Merle is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 93% of people named Merle being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 38 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Merle.

The history of the first name Merle

The name Merle has its origins in the Old French language, stemming from the word "merle," which means "blackbird." The name's earliest roots can be traced back to the medieval period in France, where it was likely used as a nickname or a descriptive name for someone with dark hair or a dark complexion, resembling the plumage of a blackbird.

While the name's precise origins are uncertain, it gained popularity across various regions of Europe during the Middle Ages. In some instances, the name Merle was also derived from the Old English word "mere," meaning "lake" or "pool," suggesting a connection to natural bodies of water.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Merle can be found in the 12th century French epic poem, "The Song of Roland." In this literary work, Merle appears as the name of a character, although it is unclear whether it was used as a first name or a surname.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Merle. One of the most famous was Merle Oberon (1911-1979), a British actress known for her roles in films such as "The Cowboy and the Lady" and "Wuthering Heights." Another prominent figure was Merle Haggard (1937-2016), an American country music singer and songwriter renowned for hits like "Okie from Muskogee" and "Mama Tried."

In the realm of literature, Merle Miller (1919-1986) was an American biographer and journalist who wrote acclaimed biographies of figures like Harry S. Truman and Lyndon B. Johnson. Merle Curti (1897-1996), an American historian and educator, was renowned for his contributions to the study of intellectual history and the history of Wisconsin.

Merle Norman (1888-1972) was an American businesswoman and entrepreneur who founded the cosmetics company bearing her name, which became a successful chain of stores across the United States.

While the name Merle has maintained a presence throughout history, its popularity has waxed and waned over time. Nevertheless, its unique and distinctive quality has ensured its enduring appeal, making it a name with a rich cultural and linguistic 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 Merle was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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