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Merritt
Pronounced MEHR-iht /ˈmɛɹ.ɪt/Medium
Meaning: Boundary gateMedium
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
Merritt comes from English and means 'boundary gate', a word rooted in the markers that once divided one piece of land from the next. It works as a surname turned first name, which is part of why it reads as unisex — the actors Merritt Wever (born 1980) and Merritt Patterson (born 1990) both carry it as women. As a boy's name it keeps that same crisp, two-beat sound.
The name's resemblance to the word 'merit' lends it a flattering ring, even though its actual sense is the more literal 'boundary gate'.
Variations
Nicknames
Famous Bearers
- ★Merritt Wever (1980–present)Female public figure listed on Behind the Name.
- ★Merritt Patterson (1990–present)Female public figure listed on Behind the Name.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Merritt mean?
Merritt is usually explained as meaning 'boundary gate' and is most often linked with English tradition.
How do you pronounce Merritt?
It's commonly said MEHR-iht /ˈmɛɹ.ɪt/.
Is Merritt a boy or girl name?
In this batch and in recent U.S. usage data, Merritt is used as a boy name.
How popular is Merritt?
In 2024, Merritt ranked #1899 in the U.S. for boys, with 84 births recorded.