Merriam is an uncommon female given name of American origin, derived from the surname Merriam which is of English and Scottish descent. It is believed to have originated from the Old French word 'merrei', meaning 'happiness'. The name gained prominence in the United States during the late 19th century, largely due to its association with the prominent American lexicographer, Noah Webster's daughter-in-law, Emily Chubbuck Merriam. She was a significant figure in her own right, being an abolitionist, feminist, and advocate for women's rights. However, despite its notable origin and historical figures associated with it, Merriam remains quite rare as a given name today.
The name Merriam experienced peaks of popularity around the early 1920s and late 1940s with a total of 346 babies named Merriam born between 1912 and 2018.