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Home › Baby Names Directory › Merna

Merna

♀ Girl

Pronounced MER-nah /ˈmɜːr.nɑ/Medium

Meaning: A variant spelling of Myrna, from the Irish Muirne, 'beloved; tender; high-spirited.' A soft vintage name; also used in Arabic-speaking communities.Low

In 30 seconds: A soft vintage name: Merna is a variant of Myrna, 'beloved; tender' (said 'MER-nah'). Gentle and antique.
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Origin MediumIrish, English
MeaningA variant spelling of Myrna, from the Irish Muirne, 'beloved; tender; high-spirited.' A soft vintage name; also used in Arabic-speaking communities.
U.S. rank (2024)#11756 ↗ Rising
2024 U.S. births8 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1930
Total births (all-time)≈ 2,461

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 193018952024

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

Merna is a variant spelling of Myrna, from the Irish Muirne ('beloved; tender; high-spirited'). Soft and antique, it also appears in Arabic-speaking communities. Rare in the U.S. (said 'MER-nah').

In the U.S. it appears rarely, with a vintage feel. Rare, gentle, and antique.

Did you know? Merna is a variant of Myrna, from the Irish Muirne, 'beloved; tender' — a gentle, vintage-flavored name also seen in Arabic-speaking families (said 'MER-nah').
Overall data confidence 45%
References — Merna — Variant of Myrna; Irish Muirne 'beloved'

Variations

MyrnaMuirneMirna

Nicknames

MernNana

Famous Bearers

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If you like Merna…

Myrna— the base name Merna varies
Mirna— a like spelling of the same name
Verna— a like vintage -na name
Lorna— a like soft antique girls' name

Explore names like Merna

By themeheritageirishvintagesoft
By meaningLoveGentle / Kind

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Merna mean?

Merna is a variant of Myrna, from the Irish Muirne, 'beloved; tender; high-spirited.'

How do you pronounce Merna?

It's said MER-nah /ˈmɜːr.nɑ/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Merna a boy or girl name?

Merna is used as a girl's name.

How popular is Merna?

Merna is a rare name in the U.S.

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