Meriel

“Sea of bitterness”

Welsh origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#838US 2023

1.4kBirths / yr

→Stable

376All-time births

📅 Since 191600

How to pronounce Meriel

MIR·eel

/ˈmɪr.iːl/ · stress on MIR · 2 syllables

“Sea of bitterness”

Welsh origin · Girl name

What does Meriel mean and where does it come from?

Meriel is a name of Welsh origin and is derived from the word 'mêr' which means 'sea'. It has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, both in the UK and other English-speaking countries. The name Meriel has a literary quality and was notably used in literature and histories, highlighting it

Cultural significance

Meriel has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Welsh-speaking communities, where it reflects values of sea of bitterness.

Peak popularity

Reached #2171 in 1934 — currently #838 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Meriel?

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

Meriel Grace

How popular is Meriel right now?

Holding steady — currently #838 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1920–2023#838 · Top 0.62%

1920

1925

1935

1950

1965

1995

2000

2005

2010

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#838	1,362	▲ up 5 · +1% births
2022	#843	1,342	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2021	#848	1,312	▲ up 14249 · +21767% births
2010	#15097	6	▼ down 4083 · -33% births
2005	#11014	9	▼ down 1061
2000	#9953	9	▼ down 1083
1995	#8870	9	▼ down 2093 · +80% births
1965	#6777	5	▼ down 1812 · -17% births
1950	#4965	6	▼ down 1326 · -14% births
1935	#3639	7	▲ up 656
1925	#4295	7	▲ up 8
1920	#4303	7	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Meriel

Best Year2023Rank #838

Peak Count1,362

Average Rank#5954

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1920 - 202312 years

The story of Meriel

Meriel entered American naming records in 1916 and has been in use for over 108 years. With 376 total births recorded, Meriel remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4303 in 1920 to #838 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Meriel in 1934:

Mary Betty Barbara Shirley Dorothy

Meriel by decade

Meriel peaked in the 1930s. See all 1930s names →

Decade	Births
1910s	19
1920s	36
1930s	45
1940s	26
1950s	26
1960s	10
1970s	5
1980s	41
1990s	61
2000s ★	82
2010s	25

💎Meriel has only 376 total recorded births since 1916 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Meriel?

ENGLISH

Merletta

ENGLISH

MarielMerleMerrill

What names sound and feel like Meriel?

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

American · Of the race

Muriel

Ireland · sea dark, bright

How is Meriel written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Meriel

What does the name Meriel mean?

Meriel means "Sea of bitterness" — a name rooted in Welsh 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 Meriel?

Meriel is currently ranked #838 as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Meriel?

Meriel originates from Welsh tradition. Welsh 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 Meriel?

Meriel is a two-syllable name pronounced M IH1 R IY0 L. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Meriel a common or rare name?

Meriel is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.