Merritt
Merritt is a girl name of English origin meaning “Boundary gate”, pronounced MERR-it. It ranked #703 in the United States in 2025, given to 401 babies, and peaked at #703 in 2025. Common nicknames: Merri, Ritt.
How popular is Merritt in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Merritt mean, and where does it come from?
Merritt is an English surname, usually traced to a place name meaning boundary gate, and long confused with the word merit, which comes from the Latin meritum and has no connection to it. The mistake has done the name no harm. It has been in American birth records since 1919 and entered the top thousand for the first time in 2025 — a slow climb rewarded very late, as happens with unisex surname names that wait for their moment. It is used for girls slightly more than boys.
How is Merritt used around the world?
Merritt is used in 1 languages worldwide.
TypeUnisex name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Merritt?
Famous People Named Merritt
- Merritt Wever — American actress and two-time Emmy Award winner
- William Merritt Chase — American impressionist painter
- Merritt Butrick — American actor
Similar Names to Merritt
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Sibling Name Ideas for Merritt
Looking for names that pair well with Merritt? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Merritt mean?
Merritt is a girl name of English origin meaning "Boundary gate." Merritt is an English surname, usually traced to a place name meaning boundary gate, and long confused with the word merit, which comes from the Latin meritum and has no connection to it. The mistake has done the name no harm.
How do you pronounce Merritt?
Merritt is pronounced MERR-it. Common variations include Merit, Meritt, Merrit.
Is Merritt a girl name?
Yes, Merritt is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Merri, Ritt.