Merle
Merle: name meaning, origin and popularity
Meaning and origin of Merle
- A male given name transferred from the surname.
- A female given name from English.
Etymology
Borrowed from French Merle.
How popular is Merle?
Since 1880, 14,723 girls and 30,666 boys in the U.S. have been named Merle (32% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #295 in 1903. Its highest rank for boys was #170 in 1918. In 2025, 38 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Names similar to Merle
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More English unisex names
Sibling name ideas for Merle
Sister and brother names that share Merle's English roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Merle FAQ
What does the name Merle mean?
A male given name transferred from the surname. A female given name from English. Borrowed from French Merle.
What is the origin of the name Merle?
Merle is listed as a name of English origin.
How popular is the name Merle?
Since 1880, 14,723 girls and 30,666 boys in the U.S. have been named Merle (32% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #295 in 1903. Its highest rank for boys was #170 in 1918. In 2025, 38 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Is Merle a boy or girl name?
Merle is used for both boys and girls in the U.S. (14,723 girls and 30,666 boys since 1880).
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.