Morrill is a unique and distinctive given name of American origin. It is derived from the English surname Morrell, which has its roots in the Old French word "Morele," meaning "from the dark lake." The name was initially used as a nickname for someone who lived near a dark or murky body of water.
The first recorded use of the name Morrill can be traced back to the 13th century in England, where it appeared as a surname. Over time, it evolved and migrated across the Atlantic Ocean with early settlers to America. In the United States, Morrill was used as both a given name and a surname throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.
One notable figure associated with the name Morrill is Thomas Hill Green, who served as the governor of Rhode Island from 1873 to 1874. His middle name was Morrill, which suggests that the name may have been passed down through generations in his family or perhaps had some significance for him personally.
Today, Morrill remains a relatively uncommon given name, but it continues to be used by families who appreciate its unique sound and historical origins. Its meaning, associated with dark waters or lakes, adds an intriguing element to its appeal. While not as widely recognized as some other names, Morrill stands out due to its distinctive sound and fascinating history.
The name Morrill has seen a variable number of births in the United States over the past century, as indicated by the statistics provided. Between 1914 and 2020, there have been a total of 63 babies named Morrill born in the US.
The most popular years for the name Morrill were between 1914 and 1917, with an average of 7 or 8 births each year. However, after 1917, the number of annual births steadily decreased until it reached a consistent low point of 5 births per year in the decades that followed.
Despite the fluctuations in popularity over time, the name Morrill remains relatively rare compared to other names in the United States. According to data from the Social Security Administration, Morrill ranked #2,439 in popularity for boys' names in 2019, indicating that it is not a common choice among parents today.
Nonetheless, each birth recorded reflects a unique individual and their family's decision to use this distinctive name. It's fascinating to track the ebb and flow of popularity for uncommon names like Morrill over time, as it provides insight into how cultural trends and personal preferences shape our society's naming conventions.