Everything about the name MERI

Meaning, origin, history

Meri is a unique and beautiful name with an interesting history and meaning behind it. Originating from the Basque country in Spain and France, Meri is derived from the name Maria, which is of Latin origin and means "sea of bitterness" or "rebelliousness." However, it's important to note that the Basque version of the name, Mari, has its own significance as it translates to "sea," representing the importance of water in Basque culture.

The name Meri gained popularity during the Middle Ages when many European cultures adopted and adapted versions of the Latin name Maria. Over time, various forms of the name emerged, including Marie, Mary, and Meri, each with slight differences in pronunciation and spelling but retaining their shared origins and meanings.

In addition to its roots in Europe, the name Meri has also gained recognition and usage in other parts of the world, particularly among Basque communities living outside of Spain and France. Today, people named Meri can be found across the globe, carrying with them the rich history and significance of this beautiful name.

Overall, the name Meri is a wonderful choice for parents seeking a unique yet meaningful name for their daughter. Its origins in the Basque culture and its shared roots with the popular name Maria make it a name with deep historical significance and universal appeal.

Popularity of the name MERI since 1880

Birth evolution

Popularity analysis

The name Meri has had a varied history of popularity in the United States over the past century. In the early years, from 1917 to 1937, the name saw a steady but low number of births, ranging from 5 to 9 per year.

However, starting in 1943, there was a significant increase in the popularity of the name Meri. That year saw 22 births, followed by 20 births in 1944 and a peak of 31 births in 1945. This trend continued into the late 1940s and early 1950s, with over 40 births per year from 1946 to 1952.

The name Meri reached its zenith in popularity between 1953 and 1963, with a high of 89 births in 1961. During this decade, the name consistently ranked among the top 1000 most popular names for newborn girls in the United States.

However, starting in the late 1960s, the popularity of the name Meri began to decline. By the early 1970s, the number of births had dropped to around 40 per year, and this trend continued throughout the decade.

The 1980s and 1990s saw a further decrease in the popularity of the name Meri, with fewer than 25 births per year on average. This low level of popularity has persisted into the 21st century, with only a few dozen births per year recorded between 2000 and 2023.

In total, over the past century, there have been 2477 births in the United States named Meri. While the name's popularity has waxed and waned over time, it remains a distinctive and memorable choice for parents seeking an uncommon yet attractive name for their daughter.

Variations of the Name MERI