Merel

♂ Boy

How to Pronounce Merel

Pronounced MAIR-uhl /ˈmɛr.əl/Low

Meaning: Merel is the Dutch word for 'blackbird,' used as a given name. In the Netherlands it is chiefly a girls' or unisex name; the American record here lists it for a boy, which we note honestly as unusual rather than typical of its Dutch home use.Low

In 30 seconds: Merel is a Dutch name meaning 'blackbird,' usually feminine or unisex in the Netherlands. In early American records it appears here for a boy, peaking around 1926 (said MAIR-uhl).

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Origin LowDutch

MeaningMerel is the Dutch word for 'blackbird,' used as a given name. In the Netherlands it is chiefly a girls' or unisex name; the American record here lists it for a boy, which we note honestly as unusual rather than typical of its Dutch home use.

U.S. rank (1971)#4738 ↘ Falling

1971 U.S. births6 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1926

Total births (all-time)≈ 205

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Merel comes straight from the Dutch word for 'blackbird.' In its homeland it is worn mostly by girls, so its appearance for a boy in early-twentieth-century American records is notable, likely reflecting a family or immigrant naming choice, and we flag that honestly.

Merel was always rare in the United States, reaching a small high around 1926 before fading. Whether given to a boy or a girl, a Merel of that era would be from the great-grandparent generation now, and the name remains an uncommon Dutch import.

Did you know? In Dutch, merel is simply the everyday word for the common blackbird, so the name carries a plain, nature-loving charm much like the English Robin.

Overall data confidence 40%

References - Merel — Dutch merel 'blackbird'; usually F/unisex in the Netherlands; recorded M here; peaked around 1926.

Variations

MerlMerleMerrelMerel

Nicknames

MerlRelMer

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Merel…

Merle— a like blackbird-linked name of similar sound

Merrill— a comparable Mer- boy's name of the era

Wren— a same-style short bird name

Michiel— shares Merel's Dutch roots

Carel— shares Merel's Dutch roots

Explore names like Merel

By themerare vintage dutch bird-name

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Merel mean?

It is a Dutch name meaning 'blackbird'; in the Netherlands it is mainly a girls' or unisex name.

How do you pronounce Merel?

It is said MAIR-uhl /ˈmɛr.əl/ - two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Merel a boy or girl name?

Merel is used mostly as a girls' or unisex name in Dutch, though this American record lists it for a boy.

How popular is Merel?

It was always rare in the United States, given to only about fifteen a year at its early-century high, and it never became common.