Find out how popular the first name Merton has been for the last 22 years (from 1974 to 1995) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Merton by gender

Based on the last 22 years of data, Merton is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 1995, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Merton.

The history of the first name Merton

Merton is an English given name derived from the Old English words "mere" meaning "lake" and "tun" meaning "enclosure" or "settlement". It emerged as a place name in England during the Anglo-Saxon period, referring to a settlement near a lake.

The name Merton gained popularity as a personal name in medieval times, likely influenced by the establishment of Merton Priory, a prominent monastery founded in Surrey, England in the 12th century. This religious institution played a significant role in the spread and recognition of the name.

One of the earliest recorded instances of Merton as a given name dates back to the 13th century. Merton College, founded in 1264 at the University of Oxford, was named after Walter de Merton, a renowned scholar and ecclesiastic who served as the Lord Chancellor of England in the late 13th century.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Merton. Thomas Merton (1915-1968) was a renowned American Trappist monk, writer, theologian, and social activist known for his influential works on spirituality and social justice. His autobiography, "The Seven Storey Mountain," is considered a modern spiritual classic.

Merton Miller (1923-2000) was an American economist who received the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences in 1990 for his pioneering work in the theory of finance and the field of corporate finance. His contributions, including the Modigliani-Miller theorem, have had a lasting impact on financial economics.

Merton Hanks (born 1971) is a former American football safety who played in the National Football League (NFL) for the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks. He was a five-time Pro Bowl selection and won two Super Bowl championships with the 49ers.

Merton Hodge (1894-1978) was a British artist and illustrator known for his work in children's literature. He is particularly renowned for his illustrations in the beloved "Little Grey Rabbit" book series by Alison Uttley.

Merton Priory, founded in 1117, was a prominent Augustinian monastery in Surrey, England, and played a significant role in the dissemination of the name Merton in medieval times. The priory's influence extended far beyond its physical location, contributing to the recognition and popularity of the name.

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

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

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