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Home › Baby Names Directory › Meritt

Meritt

♀ Girl

Pronounced MER-it /ˈmɛɹ.ɪt/High

Meaning: A spelling of the English surname Merritt, generally traced to a place name from Old English elements meaning 'boundary gate'. It is also read as the word 'merit'. Used as a first name it is unisex and leans to boys, which we note.Low

In 30 seconds: Meritt spells the English surname Merritt, from a place name meaning 'boundary gate' — unisex with a boy lean, which we note (said 'MER-it').
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Origin LowEnglish
MeaningA spelling of the English surname Merritt, generally traced to a place name from Old English elements meaning 'boundary gate'. It is also read as the word 'merit'. Used as a first name it is unisex and leans to boys, which we note.
U.S. rank (2024)#14628 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births6 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2016
Total births (all-time)≈ 78

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201819972024

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

Meritt is a spelling of the English surname Merritt, usually derived from a place name built on Old English elements meaning 'boundary gate'. Its resemblance to the word 'merit' has helped it into first-name use. It is genuinely unisex and leans to boys, which we note (said 'MER-it').

For girls this spelling is rare in the U.S., against heavier use of Merritt. Rare, crisp, and surname-style.

Did you know? Merritt looks like the word 'merit' and many families hear it that way, but the surname is generally traced to an Old English place name meaning 'boundary gate' — the two routes sit side by side, which we note (said 'MER-it').
Overall data confidence 42%
References — Meritt — Surname Merritt; 'boundary gate'; unisex, boy-lean noted

Variations

MerrittMeritMerrit

Nicknames

MerRitt

Famous Bearers

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If you like Meritt…

Merritt— the standard spelling of the same surname
Everett— a like unisex surname name
Emerson— a like modern surname pick
Harriet— a like crisp two-beat girls' name

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Meritt mean?

Meritt spells the English surname Merritt, generally traced to a place name meaning 'boundary gate'; it is also read as the word 'merit'.

How do you pronounce Meritt?

It's said MER-it /ˈmɛɹ.ɪt/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Meritt a boy or girl name?

Meritt is unisex and leans to boys; it is used here as a girl's name, and we note the lean.

How popular is Meritt?

This spelling is rare in the U.S.; Merritt is the more familiar form and is used for both sexes.

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