Meryl
Fact sheet
- Name
- Meryl
- Gender
- Girl name
- Syllables
- 2
Meryl is a female first name that is regarded as the English and American variant of the Scottish name Muriel. This, in turn, has its roots in the Irish Gaelic Muirgel/Muirgheal. Translated into English, the name means 'the shining sea' or 'the bright sea'.
What does the name Meryl mean?
The name Meryl is regarded as the English and American form of the Scottish Muriel, which traces back to the Irish Gaelic Muirgel/Muirgheal. Translated into English, it describes 'the shining sea' or 'the bright sea'. The origin of the name can be found in Celtic, derived from the elements muir, meaning 'the sea' or 'the ocean', and geal, meaning 'shining', 'bright', or 'radiant'. Additionally, Meryl is also used as a short form of Merlind or Marielouise (Marie-Louise). The name was brought to England by William the Conqueror from Northern France in the 11th century. The given name Muriel was initially used mainly in Scotland but gained popularity in other areas from the early 20th century. A French variant of the name is Méryl. Other forms include Muireall, Murielle, Meriel, Muiriel, Murial, Myriel, and Myrielle. Meryl can also be found as a surname.
Where does the name Meryl come from?
The name Meryl has a Breton and Celtic origin and means 'the shining sea'. The word components come from Breton and Celtic: muir stands for 'the sea' or 'the ocean' and geal for 'shining', 'bright', or 'radiant'. The languages in which Meryl appears are American and English.
How do you pronounce Meryl?
The pronunciation of Meryl: The name consists of two syllables and feels compact. In German pronunciation, it is usually rendered as 'Me-ril' [ˈmɛʁɪl]. The name begins with an open sound that immediately conveys clarity. The short, closed final syllable provides a precise finish, while the soft consonants balance the sound harmoniously. Overall, Meryl conveys a calm, clear, and slightly elegant impression with a restrained yet expressive sound effect.
When is the name day of Meryl?
The name day of Meryl is celebrated on July 31 and September 12.
Popularity
In Germany, Meryl is a rather rare first name. In 2021, it ranked 5,220th on the list of the most common female baby names. The name achieved its best ranking in 2019 at 2,718th. In the last ten years, Meryl has been given as a first name about 20 times, which places it at 6,173rd in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, it ranks 7,455th.
Famous people
- Meryl Cassie (actress)
- Meryl Davis (American ice dancer)
- Meryl Marchetti (French writer)
- Meryl O'Hara Wood (tennis player from Australia)
- Meryl Streep (actress)
- Meryl Tankard (Australian ballet dancer)
- Meryl Vladimer (American artist)
Frequently asked questions about the name Meryl
What is the origin of the name Meryl?
Meryl has a Breton and Celtic origin. The name means 'the shining sea' and is composed of the elements 'muir' for 'the sea' and 'geal' for 'shining'.
What does the name Meryl mean?
The name is regarded as the English and American form of the Scottish name Muriel. It describes in English 'the shining sea' or 'the bright sea'.
Are there any suitable nicknames for Meryl?
No specific nicknames are known for Meryl. The name is usually used in its full form.
How is the name Meryl pronounced?
Meryl is generally pronounced as 'Mer-el', with the emphasis on the first syllable.