Merritt is a unique and distinctive given name of American origin. It is derived from an English surname that was originally an occupational name for someone who worked in the mercery trade. Mercery refers to the sale of luxury items such as silks, velvets, and fine linens.
The name Merritt first appeared as a surname in the early 13th century in England. It is believed to have originated from the Middle English word "merchet," which means "market" or "trade." Over time, the surname evolved into its modern form through various spelling changes and adaptations.
In America, Merritt began to be used as a given name in the late 19th century. It was particularly popular among families with a history of bearing the Merritt surname. Today, Merritt is still considered a rare but meaningful name choice for boys or girls.
While not extensively documented throughout history, there are a few notable individuals named Merritt who have made significant contributions to their respective fields. For example, American politician Daniel Merritt Huger served as a governor of South Carolina in the early 19th century, while artist Thomas Merritt was known for his landscapes and genre scenes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Overall, Merritt is an uncommon yet appealing given name with a rich history rooted in the mercery trade. Its unique sound and American origins make it an attractive choice for parents seeking a distinctive name for their child.
The name Merritt experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the past century, with periods of high usage and low usage. The years 1966 to 1970 saw a notable peak, with annual births ranging from 32 to 50. However, there was a decline after that period, with births decreasing to as few as 14 in 1981. The name picked up again in the late 1990s and early 2000s, reaching a high of 50 births in 2013. Since then, it has maintained steady popularity, with over 100 births per year since 2016. Overall, there have been a total of 2670 births named Merritt from 1919 to 2023.