The name Merritt finds its roots in the Old French word "merit", which means "earned" or "deserved". It is a surname that originated in medieval France and was later adopted as a given name in English-speaking countries.

In its earliest usage, the name Merritt was a descriptive surname, likely given to individuals who had earned respect or recognition for their actions or achievements. It was a way of acknowledging one's merits or accomplishments.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Merritt can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of landowners and property in England commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The name appears as "Meriet" in this historical record.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Merritt. One of the earliest was Merritt Peake (1551-1619), an English clergyman and scholar who served as the Dean of Ely Cathedral in the late 16th century.

Another prominent figure was Merritt Gally (1719-1804), an American patriot and soldier who fought in the American Revolutionary War. He served as a lieutenant colonel in the Continental Army and was known for his bravery and leadership on the battlefield.

In the realm of literature, Merritt Parkhurst Fernald (1823-1908) was an American botanist and author. He published several works on the flora of Maine and contributed significantly to the field of plant taxonomy.

Moving into the 20th century, Merritt Wever (1979-) is an American actress known for her roles in shows like "Nurse Jackie" and "The Walking Dead". She won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie in 2013.

Finally, Merritt Terhune (1905-1972) was an American football player and coach. He played as a halfback for the New York Giants and later served as the head coach for the Philadelphia Eagles and the Washington Redskins in the 1940s and 1950s.