Merrit is an uncommon, yet distinctively appealing given name of American origin. It is derived from the English surname 'Merritt', which was originally an occupational name for a merchant or trader. The name is believed to have been coined during the Middle Ages and it remains quite unique today. Merrit has not typically been associated with any specific cultural or historical figures, but its rarity may contribute to its allure as a distinctive choice for a child's name.
The name Merrit was most popular between the years 1961 and 1963, with seven births each year. There was a notable gap from 1963 to 1966 before any further births were recorded. From then on, birth numbers fluctuated between five and six until 2023, with spikes in popularity occurring in 1971-1972, 2003, 2014, 2021, and most recently in 2023.