Merida is a unique and captivating female given name that originated from Scottish Gaelic language. It means "from the bright or famous sea" or "song of the sea," reflecting its marine roots. The name Merida was popularized in recent years due to Disney/Pixar's animated film "Brave," where the main character, Princess Merida, embarks on a journey of self-discovery and bravery.
The origin of Merida can be traced back to ancient Scotland, where it was used as a place name for several locations along the coast. One notable example is the Isle of Merida in Argyllshire, which gave rise to the name's association with the sea. Over time, Merida became more commonly used as a female given name, particularly among families with Scottish heritage or those drawn to its unique sound and meaning.
In addition to its marine connection, the name Merida is also associated with courage and bravery, thanks in part to the Disney/Pixar film. In the movie, Princess Merida defies tradition and challenges destiny to forge her own path, displaying great courage and determination throughout her adventure. This portrayal has helped popularize the name among parents seeking a strong and distinctive moniker for their daughters.
Overall, Merida is an enchanting and powerful female given name with deep roots in Scottish history and culture. Its meaning and origins provide a rich backdrop for those who bear this unique name, while its recent popularity thanks to Princess Merida has made it even more appealing to parents around the world.
The name Merida has seen a significant rise in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. While there were only six recorded births with this name in 1916, it remained relatively uncommon throughout much of the mid-20th century.
However, starting in the late 1940s and early 1950s, there was a noticeable increase in the number of newborn girls named Merida. In 1949 alone, there were thirteen births with this name, marking a significant jump from previous years.
This trend continued into the 1960s and 1970s, with consistently higher numbers of babies being given the name Merida each year. It appears that the name reached its peak popularity during the early 2010s, with a total of 116 births recorded in 2017.
However, even after reaching this height of popularity, the name Merida has remained relatively common in recent years. In fact, between 2018 and 2023, there have been an average of approximately 85 births each year with this name.
In total, over the course of more than a century (from 1916 to 2023), there have been a total of 1427 recorded births in the United States for girls named Merida. This demonstrates that while the name may not have always been popular, it has certainly made its mark on American naming trends over time.