What does Meri mean and where does it come from?
Meri is a name that can be traced back to Hebrew origins, where it means 'bitterness,' often associated with the name Mary. In Finnish, it translates to 'sea,' leading to symbolic interpretations of depth and vastness. The name is popular in Finland and has continued to be used in various cultures.
Cultural significance
Meri has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of bitterness.
Peak popularity
Reached #1165 in 1955 — currently #10632 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Meri?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Meri?
Meri works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Meri Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Meri Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Meri Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Meri Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Meri Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Meri Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Meri right now?
Falling — down 2352 spots — currently #10632 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #10632 | 9 | ▼ down 2352 · -31% births |
| 2024 | #8280 | 13 | ▲ up 53 |
| 2023 | #8333 | 13 | ▲ up 4788 · +86% births |
| 2022 | #13121 | 7 | ▼ down 5232 · -50% births |
| 2021 | #7889 | 14 | ▲ up 3204 · +75% births |
| 2020 | #11093 | 8 | ▲ up 844 |
| 2015 | #11937 | 8 | ▲ up 5229 · +60% births |
| 2010 | #17166 | 5 | ▼ down 9218 · -64% births |
| 2005 | #7948 | 14 | ▼ down 3127 · -42% births |
| 2000 | #4821 | 24 | ▼ down 580 |
| 1995 | #4241 | 24 | ▲ up 1369 · +50% births |
| 1990 | #5610 | 16 | ▼ down 919 |
| 1985 | #4691 | 16 | ▼ down 302 · -6% births |
| 1980 | #4389 | 17 | ▼ down 1966 · -48% births |
| 1975 | #2423 | 33 | — |
The story of Meri
Meri entered American naming records in 1917 and has been in use for over 107 years. With 2,442 total births recorded, Meri remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #4345 in 1920, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #8333 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Meri in 1955:
Meri by decade
Meri peaked in the 1950s. See all 1950s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 11 | |
| 1920s | 20 | |
| 1930s | 15 | |
| 1940s | 265 | |
| 1950s | 544 | |
| 1960s ★ | 643 | |
| 1970s | 379 | |
| 1980s | 179 | |
| 1990s | 155 | |
| 2000s | 133 | |
| 2010s | 90 | |
| 2020s | 30 | |
💎With 2,442 total births, Meri is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Meri?
Famous people named Meri
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Meri (historical figure)
Meri bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →What names sound and feel like Meri?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Meri also consider these
Common questions about the name Meri
What does the name Meri mean?
Meri means "bitterness" — a name rooted in Hebrew tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Meri?
Meri is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Meri have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Meri?
Meri originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Meri trending right now?
Meri is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.
Is Meri a common or rare name?
Meri is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.