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Merida
♀ Girl
Pronounced MAIR-ih-duh /ˈmɛr.ɪ.də/High
Meaning: achievement, high honorMedium
In 30 seconds: Merida is a Scottish-Celtic name possibly meaning high place of honor, made globally famous as the brave princess in Pixar's Brave (2012). A lyrical three-syllable name with Celtic spirit.
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Meaningachievement, high honor
U.S. rank (2025)#2677 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births65 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2017
Total births (all-time)≈ 1,566
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
Merida may derive from a Celtic root meaning honor or achievement, or it may be connected to the Spanish city of Mérida. Pixar's Brave made it a household name.
Merida surged in popularity following Pixar's Brave (2012).
Did you know? Pixar's Brave (2012) broke new ground as the studio's first film led by a female protagonist — Princess Merida's wild red hair and fierce independence made her an instant icon of girl power.
Overall data confidence 70%
Behind the Name: Merida — name etymology referenceUS Social Security Name Database — U.S. popularity data
Variations
MeridaMeredith
Nicknames
MeriRida
Famous Bearers
- ★Merida (fictional)Princess of DunBroch and protagonist of Pixar's Brave (2012), the studio's first female lead character.
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Frequently Asked
What does Merida mean?
Merida means achievement, high honor.
How do you pronounce Merida?
Merida is pronounced MAIR-ih-duh (/ˈmɛr.ɪ.də/), with three syllables.
Is Merida a girl's name?
Yes, Merida is used as a girl's name.
How popular is the name Merida?
Fictional bearer is primary modern association; Celtic meaning approximate.