The name Merrill is a boy's name of English origin meaning "sea-bright; pleasant hill".

7 Letter Boy Names

Names Ending in L for Boys

Two Syllable Names for Boys

Names that Peaked in 1916

A once familiar name for boys in the US, Merrill ranked in the Top 1000 from the 1880s to the late 1960s, peaking in 1926 when it ranked at #331. Now, it is a rare choice, given to 7 girls and 6 boys in a recent count.
 
Merrill has two separate origins and may be viewed as a spin on the feminine name Muriel, ultimately from Old Irish and meaning "sea-bright". Or, it may be a habitational English surname, meaning "pleasant hill". 
 
With its unisex sounds, its surname-y feel, and its nature-related meanings, could Merrill be one to reconsider? Could it work for fans of Merritt, Maverick, Miller, Marshall, and Maxwell? Time will tell.

Merrill

English

Nameberry

The name Merrill is currently ranked #905 in U.S. births. and peaked for boys at #321 in 1916. It is currently rising in popularity. Merrill is occasionally used for girls in 2025.

The name Merrill is a girl's name of English origin meaning "sea-bright; pleasant hill".

English Names

English Names for Girls

7 Letter Girl Names

UK Baby Names

UK Girl Names

Names Ending in L for Girls

Two Syllable Names for Girls

English Names that Start With M

Merrill, once fairly common for American boys back in the first half of the 20th-century, is now a rare choice, given to just 7 girls and 6 boys in a recent year. Alternative spelling Meryl is also rare, but it perhaps feels more familiar or up to date thanks to the actress Meryl Streep.
 
A name with two origins, it may be considered a spin on the Irish name Muriel, giving it an ocean-inspired meaning, or it can be viewed as an English surname meaning "pleasant hill".
 
Chef Emeril Lagasse dropped the initial E from his name and called his daughter Meril.

Preppy Baby Names

Nature Names for Girls

Beach Baby Names

Nature Names for Babies

Ocean-Inspired Names for Babies

Names That Mean Hope

Brilliant Names That Mean Light

The name Merrill peaked for girls at #1240 in 1942. Merrill is occasionally used for boys in 2025.

Mary

Meriel

Meryl

Muriel

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Merrill

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