Recent in Baby
When Baby Resists SolidsWhen Baby Resists SolidsBaby Biting TipsBaby Biting Tips5 Tips To Help Prevent Highchair Injuries5 Tips To Help Prevent Highchair InjuriesWhen Baby and Pet MeetWhen Baby and Pet MeetTreatments for ColicTreatments for ColicBaby Milestones – The First YearBaby Milestones – The First YearTips for Relieving Teething PainTips for Relieving Teething PainBenefits of Making Your Own Baby FoodBenefits of Making Your Own Baby Food

Home › Baby Names Directory › Merrit

Merrit

♀ 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: Merrit spells the surname Merritt — from a place name meaning 'boundary gate'. Unisex with a boy lean, which we note (said 'MER-it').
💕 Browse more names
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)#14631 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births6 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1962
Total births (all-time)≈ 98

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202119612024

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

Merrit is a spelling of Merritt, an English surname usually derived from a place name built on Old English elements meaning 'boundary gate'. Modern American families adopted it as a first name for both sexes, helped along by the echo of 'merit'. The boy lean is real, and we note it (said 'MER-it').

For girls this spelling is rare in the U.S. Rare, crisp, and surname-style.

Did you know? The surname Merritt is generally traced to an Old English place name meaning 'boundary gate', though its likeness to the word 'merit' has done a lot to carry it into first-name use (said 'MER-it').
Overall data confidence 42%
References — Merrit — Surname Merritt; 'boundary gate'; unisex, boy-lean noted

Variations

MerrittMeritMerrett

Nicknames

MerRitt

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Merrit…

Merritt— the standard spelling of the same surname
Everett— a like unisex surname name
Harper— a like modern surname pick for girls
Emerson— a like crossover surname choice

Explore names like Merrit

By thememodernenglishsurname-namecross-sex

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Merrit mean?

Merrit 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 Merrit?

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

Is Merrit a boy or girl name?

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

How popular is Merrit?

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

💬 Ask Nia