Merritt

English surname name
"boundary gate"

Merritt Origin and Meaning

The name Merritt is a girl's name meaning "boundary gate".

Merritt has a long and distinguished history as a surname; the Merritt Parkway in Connecticut and the Merritt Building testify to that. But it wasn't until Emmy-winning actress Merritt Wever came along that we gave it much thought as a girls' name. And we aren't alone. It's grown tremendously in popularity since the premiere of Nurse Jackie, in which Wever played a key role. More than 100 baby girls a year are now named Merritt in the U.S.

Part of the name's considerable appeal may stem from its kinship to the word "merit," making it a modern spin on virtue names like Honor and Grace.

Fun fact about Merritt Wever: She was born Siobhan, another Nameberry favorite name. Merritt is technically her middle name.

Merritt Popularity

Famous People Named Merritt

  • Merritt Elizabeth Mathias
    American soccer player