Merle
Peaked at #170 nationally in 1918, based on real US Social Security Administration birth records.
Girls vs. boys, all-time
Since 1880, Merle has been recorded 32% of the time for girls and 68% of the time for boys.
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Merle — Girls (United States)
FallingPeak rank
#295
in 1903
Last ranked
#17896
in 2004
Years tracked
112
1880–2004
Trend
Falling
Tracked since 1880, Merle reached its peak popularity for girls in 1903, ranking #295 nationally with 112 babies given the name that year.
Merle hasn't appeared among the national top ranks for girls since 2004, when it stood at #17896.
Recent years
| Year | Rank | Births |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | #17,896 | 5 |
| 2003 | #17,469 | 5 |
| 1995 | #12,791 | 6 |
| 1993 | #12,873 | 6 |
| 1992 | #12,795 | 6 |
| 1991 | #14,585 | 5 |
| 1989 | #6,409 | 13 |
| 1987 | #10,751 | 6 |
Merle — Boys (United States)
RisingPeak rank
#170
in 1918
Current rank
#4640
in 2024
Years tracked
145
1880–2024
Trend
Rising
Tracked since 1880, Merle reached its peak popularity for boys in 1918, ranking #170 nationally with 795 babies given the name that year.
Over the last 10 years of data, its rank has climbed from #5901 (2014) to #4640 (2024) — a 21% improvement.
As of 2024, Merle ranks #4640 nationally for boys, with 22 babies given the name that year.
Recent years
| Year | Rank | Births |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | #4,640 | 22 |
| 2023 | #3,157 | 39 |
| 2022 | #4,055 | 27 |
| 2021 | #4,586 | 22 |
| 2020 | #3,465 | 32 |
| 2019 | #4,589 | 22 |
| 2018 | #4,441 | 23 |
| 2017 | #4,872 | 20 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration, National Data, 1880–2024.
Similar trajectory
Other names that peaked around the same era and rose or fell on a comparable curve.
Based on US data — boys' names only.
Common Questions
When was Merle most popular?
Merle was most popular in 1918, when it ranked #170 nationally for boys — the highest rank it has reached in this data.
Is Merle becoming more or less popular?
For girls, it's currently falling; for boys, it's currently rising, based on the last decade of SSA data.
How many babies have been named Merle?
At least 45,348 babies have been recorded with the name Merle in the US since 1880, according to Social Security Administration birth records.
Looking for more name ideas like Merle? Try the Baby Name Generator or compare it against other names on the Name Trends hub.