Merl
Boy nameMerl has been given to 2,852 babies in the U.S. since 1886. It peaked in 1922.
Popularity over time births per year, 1880–2025
Total babies
2,852
Peak year
1922 (92 babies)
Rank in 2025
Below top 1000
First recorded
1886
10-year trend
New / returning
Gender split
10% girls / 90% boys
Rank through the decades
Merl's rank among U.S. boy names at 25-year milestones.
| Year | Boys rank |
|---|---|
| 1925 | #791 |
— means outside the top 1000 that year.
Spellings & variants
Names one letter away from Merl — alternate spellings parents actually use.
Names with a similar vibe
Same primary gender, peaked around the same years, and roughly as common as Merl.
FAQ
How popular is the name Merl?
Merl has been given to 2,852 babies in the U.S. since 1886. It ranked below the top 1000 in 2025.
When did the name Merl peak?
Merl peaked in 1922, when 92 babies were given the name.
Is Merl a girl or boy name?
Merl is primarily a boy name (90% of babies named Merl are boys).
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