Merilee is a unique and charming given name of American origin. It is believed to have been coined by the author Paul Zindel for his play "The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds," which premiered in 1970. In the play, Merilee is a character who is often misunderstood due to her eccentric behavior and quirky personality.
Despite its American origins, there has been some speculation that Merilee may be derived from the French name "Mercedes." However, there is no concrete evidence to support this theory, and it remains purely speculative. Additionally, some people have suggested that Merilee could be a shortened form of the name "Miriam" or even "Emily," but again, these suggestions are not widely accepted.
As for the meaning of the name Merilee, there is no universally agreed-upon interpretation. Some sources suggest that it means "by the sea" in Celtic, while others claim that it means "mercy" or "gracious." However, given its uncertain origins, it's difficult to pin down a definitive meaning for this name.
In terms of history and usage, Merilee is not a particularly old name. It gained some popularity in the United States during the 1970s after the premiere of Zindel's play, but it has never been among the most common names given to newborn girls. According to data from the Social Security Administration, the peak year for Merilee's usage was 1974, when it ranked as the 536th most popular name for baby girls in the United States.
Today, Merilee remains a relatively uncommon name, but its unique sound and charming association with Zindel's play continue to make it appealing to some parents. Overall, while its origins and meaning may be uncertain, there is no doubt that Merilee is a distinctive and memorable name choice for a daughter.
Merilee is a unique and distinctive name that has been given to babies born in the United States over several decades. According to available statistics, the name first appeared in the U.S. birth records in 1929 with six occurrences.
The popularity of the name Merilee fluctuated significantly throughout the years. It experienced its peak during the decade from 1940 to 1950, with a total of 222 births recorded across those ten years. The highest single-year figure was in 1942 with 37 births.
However, after the 1950s, the popularity of Merilee declined sharply. In fact, from 1960 onwards, the number of babies named Merilee never surpassed 26 births per year. The decades of the 1960s and 1970s saw a steady decline in its usage, with only occasional spikes in popularity.
In the most recent years for which data is available (2014), there were five recorded births named Merilee. This represents a significant decrease from its peak decades but indicates that even today, parents occasionally choose this distinctive name for their daughters.
Overall, while Merilee may not be one of the most popular names in the United States, it has been consistently used throughout the 20th century and into the 21st. With a total of 1,150 births recorded since its first appearance in 1929, Merilee is undoubtedly a name with a unique history and character.