Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Meri has its roots in Hebrew, linked to the name Miriam, which means 'wished-for child' or 'bitterness'. It has evolved through various forms, maintaining a connection to its biblical origins. Meri is generally seen as a warm and creative name today, with its relevance increasing in contemporary culture.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈmɛri/
Origin
Hebrew
Etymology
The name Meri is derived from the Hebrew name Miriam, which is often interpreted as 'sea of bitterness' or 'rebelliousness'.
Meaning
Wished-for child, bitterness, or rebellion.
Language Evolution
Miriam, Miryam, Meri
Biblical Background
The name Meri is related to Miriam, the sister of Moses and Aaron, who is a significant figure in the Bible.
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in various cultures, especially within Jewish communities, and has seen a resurgence in modern naming trends in the last few decades.
Variants & Derivatives
Miriam, Mira, Mireille
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Meri is perceived as a unique and modern name, often associated with warmth and creativity.
Famous People
Meri Wilson, an American singer-songwriter known for her novelty songs., Meri Shai, a notable figure in Israeli literature.
📊 Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 89 peak births in 1961
Geographic Spread
Popular across 12 US states, with strongest presence in New York
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 7 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (8 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 8 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 5908th of 9107 | 31 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 3778th of 9204 | 106 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 1363rd of 12526 | 1,100 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 2075th of 19264 | 657 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 4954th of 27321 | 280 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 8506th of 35406 | 202 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 10080th of 30306 | 117 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- |
80.59% 1254th/1556 |
- | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
57.07% 1271st/2227 |
51.40% 1249th/2430 |
81.53% 2326th/2853 |
42.45% 1178th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
68.85% 2022nd/2937 |
87.88% 3061st/3483 |
63.87% 2247th/3518 |
61.62% 2492nd/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - |
100.00% 5194th/5194 |
- |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in New York across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Baby Boomers generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 5908th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 3778th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 1363rd out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 2075th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 4954th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 8506th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 10080th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.