Merida

“Of the sea”

Spain origin · Unisex name

♂ 0% boys♀ 100% girls

#1146US 2023

1.1kBirths / yr

→Stable

1.2kAll-time births

📅 Since 191600.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Merida

mer·EE·duh

/mɝ.ˈiː.də/ · stress on EE · 3 syllables

“Of the sea”

Spain origin · Unisex name

What does Merida mean and where does it come from?

Merida is a name of Spanish origin derived from the Latin 'emergere', meaning 'to emerge' or 'to rise'. It is also the name of the capital of the state of Yucatan in Mexico, which was named after a city in Spain. The name has gained popularity in modern times, especially due to Disney's animated fil

Cultural significance

Merida has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Spain-speaking communities, where it reflects values of of the sea.

Peak popularity

Reached #1789 in 2017 — currently #1146 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Merida?

Merida works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Merida Grace

How popular is Merida right now?

Holding steady — currently #1146 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1935–2023#1146 · Top 0.85%

1935

1940

1945

1960

1965

1975

1980

1985

1990

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1146	1,054	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2022	#1151	1,034	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2021	#1156	1,004	▲ up 891 · +1028% births
2020	#2047	89	▼ down 51 · -10% births
2015	#1996	99	▲ up 11009 · +1880% births
1990	#13005	5	▼ down 2287
1985	#10718	5	▼ down 4782 · -55% births
1980	#5936	11	▼ down 393 · +10% births
1975	#5543	10	▼ down 1024 · +11% births
1965	#4519	9	▼ down 63
1960	#4456	9	▼ down 393 · +50% births
1945	#4063	6	▼ down 174
1940	#3889	6	▲ up 354 · +20% births
1935	#4243	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Merida

Best Year2023Rank #1146

Peak Count1,054

Average Rank#4562

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1935 - 202314 years

The story of Merida

Merida entered American naming records in 1916 and has been in use for over 108 years. With 1,195 total births recorded, Merida remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4243 in 1935 to #1146 in 2023. Merida is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.

Names that peaked alongside Merida in 2017:

Emma Olivia Ava Isabella Sophia

Merida by decade

Merida peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	5
1910s	6
1920s	17
1930s	46
1940s	65
1950s	50
1960s	66
1970s	59
1980s	43
1990s	20
2000s	10
2010s ★	719
2020s	89

💎With 1,195 total births, Merida is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Merida?

Common

MerMerieMeryIda

What names sound and feel like Merida?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Merida also consider these

Melida

Spain · A variation of

Merilda

English · of great strength

Merinda

English · Sea of bitterness

Merisa

American · of the sea

Common questions about the name Merida

What does the name Merida mean?

Merida means "Of the sea" — a name rooted in Spain 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 Merida?

Merida is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Merida?

Merida originates from Spain tradition. Spain names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Merida?

Merida is a three-syllable name pronounced M ER0 IY1 D AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What sibling names go well with Merida?

Merida pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Spain heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.