Merritt, of American origin, is a name that has gained popularity over time, particularly in the United States. It is derived from the Old English word "meretriht," which translates to "strong-willed" or "renowned warrior." This name has been used predominantly for males but can also be found among females due to its versatile nature. The variant spellings of Merritt include Merrit, Merrick, and even Merrith. It is often confused with the English surname Merit, which shares the same root meaning but has a different pronunciation. Historically, it was more common in England during the Middle Ages, but today it is widely used across various cultures around the world.
The name Meritt has experienced fluctuations in popularity over the years with a recent resurgence from 2016 onwards.