Merl

French

"blackbird"

Merl Origin and Meaning

The name Merl is a girl's name.

Merl as a feminine name (though historically more common for males) has Germanic origins deriving from 'merle,' meaning 'blackbird.' The blackbird association gives the name a natural, free-spirited quality. Merl can also be considered a shortened form of Merlin, connecting it to the legendary wizard in Arthurian tales, or Merlene, a feminine variation. As a female name, Merl peaked in popularity in the United States during the early 20th century but has since become quite rare. The name has a vintage, concise quality that might appeal to parents seeking short, nature-inspired names with historical roots. Merl's brevity gives it a certain strength and directness, while its bird association adds elements of freedom and musicality.