Merry is a unique and distinctive female given name of English origin. It is derived from the Middle English word "meri", which means joyous or happy. The name Merry has been used in various forms throughout history, including Merie, Merrie, and Marri.
The use of Merry as a given name can be traced back to the 13th century, where it was often used as a nickname for people who were cheerful or lively. It is also associated with the Middle English phrase "merry as a cricket", which means to be very happy or contented.
In literature, the name Merry has been used by several notable authors. For example, J.R.R. Tolkien used Merry (full name: Meriadoc Brandybuck) as one of the main characters in his epic fantasy series "The Lord of the Rings". This usage has contributed to the popularity of the name in recent years.
Today, Merry remains a rare but memorable name choice for parents looking for something unique and meaningful for their daughter. It is associated with joy, happiness, and positivity, making it an attractive option for those who want their child's name to reflect these qualities. Overall, Merry is a distinctive and historic female given name that carries a lot of meaning and character behind it.
The name Merry appears to have seen significant popularity in the early 20th century, with a notable peak between 1942 and 1954, during which there were consistently over 200 births per year. However, since around 1965, the number of babies named Merry has steadily declined, reaching single digits by the late 1980s. In recent years, it seems that the name Merry is scarcely used, with only a handful of births recorded annually from 2007 onwards. As of 2023, there have been a total of 10,344 births named Merry.