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.
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Related Reading
Spain-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →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
Most popular combo · classic
Merida Rose
Floral · soft ending
Merida Mae
Sweet · timeless
Merida Claire
French influence · crisp
Merida Jane
Literary · strong
Merida Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Merida right now?
Holding steady — currently #1146 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| 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 | — |
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:
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?
What names sound and feel like Merida?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Merida also consider these
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.