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Merilyn
Pronounced MER-uh-lin /ˈmɛɹ.ə.lɪn/High
Meaning: A spelling of Marilyn, itself a blend of Mary (Hebrew Miryam, sense debated) with the ending -lyn, from Lynn, 'lake'. The e-spelling is a variant of the mid-century American classic.Low
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
Merilyn spells Marilyn with an e. Marilyn was coined in the early twentieth century, joining Mary — from Hebrew Miryam, its sense debated — to the ending -lyn, taken from Lynn, 'lake'. The name became an American icon; this variant spelling followed it into use (said 'MER-uh-lin').
This spelling is rare in the U.S., well behind Marilyn. Rare spelling, familiar vintage name.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Merilyn mean?
Merilyn is a spelling of Marilyn, a blend of Mary with the ending -lyn (from Lynn, 'lake').
How do you pronounce Merilyn?
It's said MER-uh-lin /ˈmɛɹ.ə.lɪn/ — three syllables, stress on the first.
Is Merilyn a boy or girl name?
Merilyn is a girl's name.
How popular is Merilyn?
This spelling is rare in the U.S.; Marilyn is the far more familiar form, though it too is uncommon for babies today.