Merle

♂ Boy

Pronounced MURL /ˈmɜrl/High

Meaning: From French merle, 'a blackbird' (Latin merula) — a songbirdMedium

In 30 seconds: A singing blackbird: Merle is French for 'a blackbird'. Vintage, soulful, and warm (country legend Merle Haggard).

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Origin MediumFrench, Latin

MeaningFrom French merle, 'a blackbird' (Latin merula) — a songbird

U.S. rank (2025)#3485 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births33 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1925

Total births (all-time)≈ 30,663

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

Merle comes from French merle, 'a blackbird' (Latin merula) — a songbird. A vintage, soulful bird-name (country star Merle Haggard; actress Merle Oberon), used for both sexes, here for boys.

It registers thinly today. Rare, a-blackbird at the root, and soulful.

Did you know? Merle means 'a blackbird' in French (Latin merula) — country legend Merle Haggard carried it; a vintage, soulful nature name (used for both sexes).

Overall data confidence 75%

Behind the Name — Merle — etymology

Variations

MerlMyrl

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Merle…

Earl— a fellow vintage -rl name

Carl— another vintage one-syllable name

Lyle— echoes that soft -le sound

Miracle— a fellow Latin choice

Marc— a fellow French choice

Explore names like Merle

By themelatin nature french vintage bird-name

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Merle mean?

Merle is French for 'a blackbird' (a songbird).

How do you pronounce Merle?

It's said MURL /ˈmɜrl/ — a single syllable.

Is Merle a boy or girl name?

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

How popular is Merle?

Merle is a rare name in the U.S. today.