Merl Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis

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Summary

The name Merl originates from Old Welsh, meaning 'blackbird', and has evolved through various forms in the Welsh language. It is notably linked to the legendary figure Merlin, enhancing its appeal in modern culture. The name has no biblical relevance and gained popularity in the 20th century primarily through cultural references. Merl is perceived as a whimsical name, with variants like Merlin and Merle, and is associated with notable individuals in the arts.

The name Merl is most popular in Oklahoma, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the G.I. Generation generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. 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, Merl has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, 'Merl' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 791st out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1046th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 1549th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 3664th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 12845th out of 16616 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 2850th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 4485th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 11867th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 19264th out of 19264 names. Discover how the name 'Merl' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.

Etymology & Cultural Background of "Merl"

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Pronunciation

/mɜːrl/

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Origin

Old Welsh

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Etymology

The name Merl is derived from the Old Welsh word 'merl', which means 'blackbird'. It is associated with the legendary figure Merlin, a wizard from Arthurian legend.

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Meaning

blackbird

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Language Evolution

Old Welsh: Merl, Middle Welsh: Merl, Modern Welsh: Merl

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Historical Usage

The name gained popularity in the 20th century, especially due to the character of Merlin in literature and media.

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Variants & Derivatives

Merlin, Merle

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Modern Popularity & Image

Today, Merl is often viewed as a unique and whimsical name, invoking associations with magic and folklore.

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Famous People

Merl Reagle, an American crossword puzzle constructor, Merl Haggard, an influential American country music singer

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Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Merl"

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 of "Merl"

"Merl" Popularity Across American Generations

Generation Gender Rank Total Names
G.I. Generation (1901-1927) Boy 791st of 7545 1,144
Silent Generation (1928-1945) Boy 1046th of 6773 729
Baby Boomers (1946-1964) Boy 1549th of 7552 486
Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) Boy 3664th of 10718 127
Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) Boy 12845th of 16616 15
G.I. Generation (1901-1927) Girl 2850th of 9107 179
Silent Generation (1928-1945) Girl 4485th of 9204 72
Baby Boomers (1946-1964) Girl 11867th of 12526 6
Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) Girl 19264th of 19264 5

Regional Popularity of "Merl" by Generation for Male Names

TOP(%) MidWest Northeast South West
G.I. Generation
(1901-1927)
34.82%
493rd/1416
51.85%
715th/1379
53.25%
1260th/2366
81.87%
935th/1142
Silent Generation
(1928-1945)
44.63%
690th/1546
64.20%
999th/1556
75.14%
1768th/2353
68.97%
1067th/1547
Baby Boomers
(1946-1964)
- 67.94%
1651st/2430
63.97%
1825th/2853
57.80%
1604th/2775
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 of "Merl" by Generation for Female 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)
- - - -

State-by-State Popularity of "Merl"

This map shows the relative popularity of "Merl" 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.