Merritt is a unique and distinctive given name of American origin. It is derived from an English surname that was originally an occupational name for someone who worked in the mercery trade. Mercery refers to the sale of luxury items such as silks, velvets, and fine linens.
The name Merritt first appeared as a surname in the early 13th century in England. It is believed to have originated from the Middle English word "merchet," which means "market" or "trade." Over time, the surname evolved into its modern form through various spelling changes and adaptations.
In America, Merritt began to be used as a given name in the late 19th century. It was particularly popular among families with a history of bearing the Merritt surname. Today, Merritt is still considered a rare but meaningful name choice for boys or girls.
While not extensively documented throughout history, there are a few notable individuals named Merritt who have made significant contributions to their respective fields. For example, American politician Daniel Merritt Huger served as a governor of South Carolina in the early 19th century, while artist Thomas Merritt was known for his landscapes and genre scenes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Overall, Merritt is an uncommon yet appealing given name with a rich history rooted in the mercery trade. Its unique sound and American origins make it an attractive choice for parents seeking a distinctive name for their child.
The name Merritt has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. While there were only 5 recorded births with the name Merritt in 1919, it wasn't until the late 1960s and early 1970s that we began to see a consistent rise in its usage.
From 1966 onwards, the number of babies named Merritt steadily increased year after year. In just one decade, from 1966 to 1976, there were over 250 recorded births with the name Merritt, marking an average of approximately 25 births per year during this period.
The peak popularity for the name Merritt occurred between 2014 and 2023. During these years, there were consistently high numbers of babies named Merritt each year, ranging from a low of 87 in 2014 to a high of 155 in 2016. This period saw an average of nearly 140 births per year with the name Merritt.
In total, from 1919 up until 2023, there have been approximately 2670 recorded births in the United States with the name Merritt. This demonstrates a consistent and growing trend in popularity for this unique name over the course of more than a century.