Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Merritt
UnisexEnglish, Old English· “boundary gate”
- Meaning
- boundary gate
- Origin
- English, Old English
- Pronunciation
- MEH-riht
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #703
- US babies 2025
- 401
- Best rank
- #703 (2025)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Merritt
Merritt is an English and Old English name that is usually said to mean “boundary gate”.
Merritt is an English surname taken from place names formed from Old English words meaning boundary and gate. As a first name, Merritt is used for both boys and girls, and its sound recalls the word merit, suggesting worth and accomplishment. It has a polished, slightly preppy feel that fits beside names such as Sutton and Emerson. Merritt sounds crisp and friendly, with a stress on the first syllable. Merry and Mer are possible nicknames for a softer touch.
Popularity over time
Merritt first appears in US Social Security records in 1919. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 1 different years, starting in 2025. It is at its all-time high right now: 2025 brought both its best national rank, #703, and its highest count, 401 babies. Use has grown 395% in ten years.
Its national rank moved from #4,662 in 1980, #4,256 in 2000, #4,699 in 2010, and #703 in 2025. Of the 3,231 US girls named Merritt since records began, 34% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 944 babies.
Other babies' names that peaked around the same time include Sol, Aries, Indy, Campbell, and Indigo.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Merritt ranked highest in Nebraska, Tennessee, and North Carolina.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska | #83 | 24 |
| Tennessee | #192 | 40 |
| North Carolina | #288 | 39 |
| Mississippi | #291 | 10 |
| Alabama | #292 | 17 |
Gender, sound and spelling
Merritt is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 62% of US babies named Merritt were girls and 38% were boys.
Merritt is usually pronounced MEH-riht, with two syllables. It has seven letters, starts with M and ends in “-tt”.
Middle names for Merritt
A few middle names that flow with Merritt: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Merritt
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Lists that include Merritt
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Merritt mean?
Merritt is an English and Old English name that is usually said to mean “boundary gate”.
What is the origin of the name Merritt?
Merritt has English and Old English roots. Merritt is an English surname taken from place names formed from Old English words meaning boundary and gate.
Is Merritt a popular name?
Yes. Merritt ranked #703 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Merritt a boy or girl name?
Merritt is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 62% of US babies named Merritt were girls and 38% were boys.
How do you pronounce Merritt?
Merritt is usually pronounced MEH-riht. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings