Merial is of French origin, derived from the Latin word "maritimus," which means "of the sea." It is a unisex name, though it's more commonly used for females. The name has a unique, modern sound and is not overly common, making it an interesting choice for parents looking for something distinctive yet easy to pronounce. The name Merial does not have any specific associated myths or legends, allowing those who bear this name the freedom to create their own stories and identities.
The name Merial was quite popular between 1914 and 1962, with a total of 92 babies given this name during those years. However, it appears that the popularity fluctuated over time, with peaks in certain years such as 1916 (8 births) and 1922-1924 (each with 9 births), but no clear trend overall. The name remained relatively stable throughout these decades, with most years seeing between 5 to 7 babies named Merial.