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Meryl

♀ Girl

Pronounced MER-əl /ˈmɛr.əl/High

Meaning: A form of Muriel/Meriel — from Celtic (Gaelic Muirgheal), 'bright/shining sea'Medium

In 30 seconds: Bright sea: Meryl ties to Muriel — 'bright/shining sea'. Crisp, soft, and warm.

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Origin MediumCeltic

MeaningA form of Muriel/Meriel — from Celtic (Gaelic Muirgheal), 'bright/shining sea'

U.S. rank (2024)#5532 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births23 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1956

Total births (all-time)≈ 5,154

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

Meryl is a form of Muriel/Meriel — from the Celtic (Gaelic) Muirgheal, from muir, 'the sea', plus geal, 'bright, shining' — 'bright/shining sea'. A crisp, soft, modern name (the celebrated actress Meryl Streep, born Mary Louise but long Meryl).

It registers thinly today. Rare, bright-shining-sea at the root, and crisp.

Did you know? Muriel/Meriel means 'bright/shining sea' (Celtic Muirgheal, muir, 'sea', plus geal, 'bright') — Meryl is a sleek form (the celebrated actress Meryl Streep); crisp and soft.

Overall data confidence 68%

Behind the Name — Muriel — root etymology

Variations

MurielMerielMerryl

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

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If you like Meryl…

Muriel— the source name

Cheryl— another -eryl girls' name

Maelynn— a similarly popular pick

Alba— another Celtic name

Bridgette— shares Meryl's Celtic roots

Explore names like Meryl

By themeceltic

By meaningLight Sea / Water

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Meryl mean?

Meryl ties to Muriel — Celtic 'bright/shining sea'.

How do you pronounce Meryl?

It's said MER-əl /ˈmɛr.əl/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Meryl a boy or girl name?

Meryl is a girl's name.

How popular is Meryl?

Meryl is a rare name in the U.S.