Merrily is a unique and charming given name of American origin. It is derived from the English adjective "merry," which means cheerful, happy, or lively. The name Merrily is often associated with joyfulness and positivity, reflecting its root meaning.
The use of Merrily as a given name is relatively rare, but it has been recorded in the United States since at least the mid-20th century. It gained some popularity during the 1960s and 1970s but has remained quite uncommon throughout its history. As a result, those named Merrily often stand out due to their distinctive name.
While Merrily is not directly related to any specific historical figures or events, it shares its origin with several other names that have gained popularity over the years. For example, Merry is a popular given name for both boys and girls, while Merryweather is a surname found in various parts of the world. Additionally, the name Merry may be familiar from characters in works such as "The Adventures of Alice in Wonderland" by Lewis Carroll.
In summary, Merrily is a rare but delightful given name of American origin that conveys joyfulness and positivity. Its unique sound and meaning make it an appealing choice for parents seeking a distinctive name for their child. Despite its rarity, Merrily has been used consistently throughout the 20th century and continues to be chosen by families who appreciate its charming qualities.
The name Merrily has been given to a total of 1,026 babies born in the United States over an 83-year period from 1936 to 2019.
While the number of births varied significantly from year to year, there were some notable trends. In the early years of this period, Merrily was given to more babies, with a peak of 210 births in 1942. However, starting in the late 1950s and throughout most of the 60s, 70s, and 80s, the number of births fell significantly, often ranging between just 5 to 15 births per year.
It is worth noting that while Merrily was once a relatively popular name, its popularity has waned over time. Since the early 2000s, there have been fewer than five babies named Merrily born each year in the United States, indicating that it has become quite rare as a given name.