All about the name

Merita

Female

« Merita is an Albanian feminine name derived from Latin 'meritus', meaning 'deserving' or 'merit'. It was traditionally given to girls of high social status in medieval Albania. »

#6762 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

Merita is a feminine given name of Albanian origin. It means "merit" or "deserving" in the Albanian language. The name is derived from the word "merita", which comes from the Latin word "meritus", meaning "deserving". The use of the name Merita can be traced back to the Middle Ages in Albania, where it was given to girls born into prominent families who were considered deserving of a name that reflected their high social status. The name has since become popular throughout the Balkans and other regions with significant Albanian populations. In literature, one of the most famous bearers of the name Merita is Merita King, a character in George Eliot's novel "Middlemarch" (1872). In this work, Merita is portrayed as a woman of intelligence and wit who becomes involved in a complex web of romantic intrigues. Today, Merita remains a popular given name for girls throughout the world. It has a strong and distinctive sound, and its meaning adds to its appeal. People named Merita are often seen as deserving of admiration and respect, much like the original intention behind the name's selection during the Middle Ages in Albania.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Merita since 1880

Total births
1,120
Total since 1880
Peak year
1955
46 births
in 1999
7
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years