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Home › Baby Names Directory › Merit

Merit

♂ Boy

Pronounced MEH-rit /ˈmɛr.ɪt/High

Meaning: From the word merit — 'worth, excellence; that which is deserved' (from Latin meritum, 'a reward, that which is earned'); used for both sexes; here for boysLow

In 30 seconds: Merit; worth; excellence: Merit is a virtue-name — 'worth; excellence'. Crisp, modern, and warm. Used for both sexes (here for boys).
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Origin LowLatin, English
MeaningFrom the word merit — 'worth, excellence; that which is deserved' (from Latin meritum, 'a reward, that which is earned'); used for both sexes; here for boys
U.S. rank (2025)#4640 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births22 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2025
Total births (all-time)≈ 228

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202519182025

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

Merit comes from the word merit — 'worth, excellence; that which is deserved' (from Latin meritum, 'a reward, that which is earned'). A crisp, modern virtue-name, used for both sexes, here for boys (slug distinguished; the ancient Egyptian Merit, 'beloved', is a separate root; nickname Merit).

It registers thinly in records. Rare, worth-and-excellence at the root, and modern.

Did you know? Merit means 'worth, excellence; that which is deserved' (from Latin meritum, 'a reward, that which is earned') — a crisp, modern virtue-name, used for both sexes (here for boys; said 'MEH-rit').
Overall data confidence 48%
References — merit — word/virtue origin

Variations

MerrittMeritt

Nicknames

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If you like Merit…

Merritt— the surname spelling
Everett— a sound-neighbor -ett boys' name
Emmett— a fellow -ett boys' name
Barrett— another -ett boys' name

Explore names like Merit

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Merit mean?

Merit is a virtue-name — 'worth, excellence; that which is deserved'.

How do you pronounce Merit?

It's said MEH-rit /ˈmɛr.ɪt/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Merit a boy or girl name?

Merit is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a boy's name.

How popular is Merit?

Merit is a rare name in the U.S.

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