Meryl is a unique and beautiful feminine given name of Welsh origin. It is derived from the Welsh word "meriol", which means "sea bright". The name Meryl has a long history and has been used in Wales for centuries. In fact, it was popularized by the ancient Welsh bards, who were skilled poets and musicians. They often used names with positive meanings to reflect the qualities they admired in themselves or others. Thus, Meryl became associated with qualities such as intelligence, creativity, and brightness.
The name Meryl has also been popularized by several notable figures throughout history. One of the most famous is Meryl Streep, the acclaimed American actress known for her versatile and powerful performances. While she was not named after the Welsh bardic tradition, her parents chose the name because they liked its sound and uniqueness.
In recent years, the name Meryl has gained popularity as a unisex name, but it remains more commonly used as a feminine given name. It is often spelled in various ways, including Meryle, Meriol, and Meral, depending on regional preferences or personal preference.
Overall, the name Meryl is a beautiful and meaningful choice for parents looking for a unique and historic name with a positive meaning. Its Welsh origins and association with intelligence and brightness make it an appealing option for those seeking a name that reflects their child's potential for greatness.
Based on the provided statistics, we can observe the popularity of the name Meryl in the United States between 1912 and 1967.
The name Meryl first appeared in the top 1000 baby names for girls in 1912 with only 5 births that year. The next few years saw a steady increase in its popularity, reaching a peak of 18 births in 1921.
However, after this peak, the number of babies named Meryl began to decrease. Between 1926 and 1930, there were fewer than 15 births each year. The years between 1934 and 1945 saw a further decline in popularity, with the lowest point being just 5 births in both 1948 and 1952.
After a brief resurgence in the late 1950s with 9 births each year in 1955 and 1957, the name Meryl's popularity continued to decline. Between 1961 and 1967, there were only 5 births each year.
In total, over this 55-year period (from 1912 to 1967), there were 431 babies named Meryl born in the United States. While Meryl once enjoyed some popularity, particularly during the early 1920s, its usage has since declined and it is now considered quite rare.