Merita is a feminine given name of Albanian origin. It means "merit" or "deserving" in the Albanian language. The name is derived from the word "merita", which comes from the Latin word "meritus", meaning "deserving".
The use of the name Merita can be traced back to the Middle Ages in Albania, where it was given to girls born into prominent families who were considered deserving of a name that reflected their high social status. The name has since become popular throughout the Balkans and other regions with significant Albanian populations.
In literature, one of the most famous bearers of the name Merita is Merita King, a character in George Eliot's novel "Middlemarch" (1872). In this work, Merita is portrayed as a woman of intelligence and wit who becomes involved in a complex web of romantic intrigues.
Today, Merita remains a popular given name for girls throughout the world. It has a strong and distinctive sound, and its meaning adds to its appeal. People named Merita are often seen as deserving of admiration and respect, much like the original intention behind the name's selection during the Middle Ages in Albania.
The name Merita has been present in the United States since at least 1912, with an initial spike of five births that year and again in 1914. The popularity of the name grew steadily throughout the 1920s and 1930s, peaking in 1937 with 25 births.
The 1940s saw a significant decrease in the number of babies named Merita, with the highest year being 1940 with 28 births. The trend continued into the 1950s and 1960s, with the highest year being 1955 with 46 births.
The popularity of the name Merita declined significantly in the 1970s and has remained relatively low since then. Between 1982 and 1993, there were only five births each year, with a slight increase to seven births in 1994 and 1995.
In total, there have been 1,120 babies named Merita born in the United States since records began. While the name was once quite popular, it has become increasingly rare in recent decades. However, it is still a unique and beautiful name with a rich history behind it.