Meryl

Updated: March 25, 2022 by MomsWhoThink Staff

Meryl can be a name for boys or girls, but it's far more common for girls, especially this spelling. Many people probably associate it with an Oscar-winning actress, and while it hasn't been a top 1,000 baby name in the United States since the middle of the 20th century, it's set to make a comeback. Pair it with both classic and trendy middle names,

Meaning of the name Meryl:

Celtic: Shining sea

Origin of the name Meryl:

Meryl is thought to be an English version of the Celtic name Muriel, which means “shining sea.” Muriel was most likely derived from the name Meriel, which was brought to England after the Norman Conquest.

Symbolism of the name Meryl:

Because of its nautical meaning and association with the sea, new parents may see the baby name Meryl as a symbol of the ocean. The ocean symbolizes many things, like the beginning of life, power, chaos, mystery, and strength.

Style of the name Meryl:

Modern

Gender of the name Meryl:

Meryl is a unisex baby name given to both boys and girls, though it's more common for girls.

Pronunciation of the name Meryl:

MARE-el

Number of syllables in the name Meryl:

Two

Emotion evoked from the name Meryl:

The baby name Meryl evokes images of someone who is creative and dedicated.

Alternative spellings for the name Meryl:

Maryl
Merril
Meril
Merral
Merryl

Nicknames for the name Meryl:

Mer
Merry
Meri
Merrie
Mimi
May

Popularity of the name Meryl:

According to the Social Security Administration, Meryl was a top 1,000 baby name for girls in the United States on and off between 1945 and 1957. It was most popular in 1952 when it ranked at number 751. It last ranked at number 858 in 1957.