Merry

The Meaning & Origin of the Name Merry

Gender Girl
Origin English
Letters 5
Syllables 2
Pronunciation M-EH-R-EE

Merry, which has 5 letters and 2 syllables, is a female name of English origin.

Meaning of Merry

From the name meredith or happy

Merry is an English name derived from the Old English word 'myrgþ', meaning joy and delight. It can also be used as a nickname for someone who is cheerful, happy, and full of life.

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Meaning From the name meredith or happy
Origin English
Gender Girl
Popularity (US) #999 in 1970 Declining Fast
Rarity (US) Rare (Top 1000)
Era Vintage (1940s)

Background & History of The Name Merry

The name ‘Merry’ is a female given name of English origin. It has various meanings and associations across different cultures and languages. In English, ‘Merry’ is often associated with joy, happiness, and mirth. The name derives from the Old English word ‘myrige,’ which means pleasant or delightful. It can also be derived from the Middle English word ‘mery,’ which means agreeable or pleasing.

In literature and pop culture, ‘Merry’ has been used as a character name in several works. One notable example is Merry Brandybuck, a hobbit character from J.R.R. Tolkien's renowned fantasy epic, The Lord of the Rings. Merry Brandybuck is depicted as a loyal companion and member of the Fellowship of the Ring, known for his courage and wit.

Despite its positive connotations, the name ‘Merry’ may also be associated with Merry Christmas, as it is often used as an adjective to describe the festive season. In addition to its English origins, the name ‘Merry’ also has historical roots in other languages. For instance, in Irish, it is a variant of ‘Maire,’ which is the Gaelic form of Mary. This connection allows the name to also carry religious significance due to its association with the Virgin Mary.

Overall, the name ‘Merry’ holds a range of meanings and cultural references. Whether associated with joy and happiness, literary characters, or festive occasions, it continues to be used as a charming and versatile name choice for girls.

Popularity Over Time

US Social Security Administration data showing the rank of Merry over the years.

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Nicknames

Common nicknames and short forms for Merry.

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