Find out how popular the first name Merri has been for the last 39 years (from 1974 to 2012) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Merri by gender

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

For the most recent data in 2012, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Merri.

The history of the first name Merri

The name Merri is believed to have originated from the Old English language, tracing its roots back to the 5th century. It is thought to be derived from the Old English word "myrig," which means "pleasant" or "joyful." This name was likely used to describe someone with a cheerful and pleasant demeanor.

During the Middle Ages, the name Merri was relatively uncommon, but it did appear in some historical records. One notable mention is in the Domesday Book, a manuscript commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086, which recorded landowners in England. The entry lists a woman named Merri as a landowner in the county of Norfolk.

In the 13th century, the name gained some popularity among the nobility and upper classes in England. One of the earliest recorded individuals with this name was Merri de Beaumont, a noblewoman born around 1220 who was the daughter of Robert de Beaumont, Earl of Leicester.

During the Renaissance period, the name Merri was occasionally used in literature and plays. One example is the character of Merri, a lady's maid, who appears in William Shakespeare's comedy "The Merry Wives of Windsor," which was first published in 1602.

Throughout history, there have been a few notable individuals who bore the name Merri. One such person was Merri Joseph Cain (1875-1944), an American Catholic priest and educator who served as the first president of Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Missouri.

Another individual of note was Merri Wood (1917-2011), an American actress and dancer who performed on Broadway and in several Hollywood films during the 1940s and 1950s. She is best known for her role in the 1949 film "On the Town."

In the realm of literature, Merri Val Baker (1923-2017) was an American children's book author and illustrator who wrote and illustrated over 40 books, including the popular "Little Fur Family" series.

While not as common as some other names, Merri has been used throughout history in various cultures and contexts, often reflecting a sense of joy, pleasure, and cheerfulness.

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

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

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