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Origin and meaning of the name Meryl

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What is the origin of the name Meryl?

The origin of the given name Meryl is derived from a Cornish form of Mary, which comes from the Hebrew Miryam, meaning "bitter" or "rebellious." The Cornish form, Meri, evolved into Meryl over time. It's important to note that names often undergo changes as they are passed down through different cultures and regions, which can lead to various spellings and pronunciations.

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The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Meryl

Meryl is a female given name that originates from a medieval diminutive form of the name Mary, which comes from the Hebrew Miryam or Mariam, both forms of Miriam, a biblical name meaning "bitterness" or "rebellion". The name Mary has been in use since ancient times and was particularly popular in Christian contexts due to the significant role of Mary, the mother of Jesus, in the Bible. The diminutive form Meryl emerged as a more informal and affectionate variant of Mary, gaining popularity in English-speaking countries during the Middle Ages. Today, Meryl is recognized as a distinct name worldwide, associated with notable figures such as actress Meryl Streep.

Character traits associated with the name Meryl

Meryl is often perceived as a versatile and dedicated individual, demonstrating an exceptional commitment to her craft. She is known for her adaptability, taking on various roles with skill and grace. Her professionalism and work ethic are highly respected within the industry. Meryl is also recognized for her emotional intelligence, delivering deeply moving performances that resonate with audiences. Her charisma extends beyond her work, as she is often appreciated for her humility and approachability. These qualities contribute to her enduring success in the entertainment field.

Popularity of the name Meryl

Meryl, a feminine given name with Hebrew origins, has been consistently popular over the past few decades due to its unique sound and strong association with notable individuals. The name gained significant prominence following the success of actress Meryl Streep, who has received numerous accolades for her exceptional acting skills throughout her career. Since then, the name Meryl has become a favorite among parents in the United States and other English-speaking countries, often chosen for its classic appeal and prestigious connotation. The name was ranked among the top 100 most popular names for girls in the U.S. between 1982 and 1996, peaking at number 43 in 1985. Despite a decline in popularity since then, Meryl remains a well-regarded and respected name among many parents today.

Famous people with the name Meryl

Meryl Streep, born Mary Louise Streep on June 22, 1949, is an acclaimed American actress known for her versatility and prolific career spanning over four decades. She has been recognized with multiple accolades, including three Academy Awards, eight Golden Globe Awards, and a record-breaking twenty-one nominations each for both awards. Streep made her professional stage debut in 1975 at the Yale School of Drama and soon after began appearing in films like "The Deer Hunter" (1978) and "Kramer vs. Kramer" (1979), for which she won her first Academy Award. Notable roles include Margaret Thatcher in "The Iron Lady" (2011), Miranda Priestly in "The Devil Wears Prada" (2006), and Sophie Sheridan in the musical "Mamma Mia!" (2008). Streep is considered one of the greatest actresses in American history.

Other notable figures with the name Meryl include Meryl Hathaway, an American journalist who was the first female war correspondent for NBC News and reported from various conflict zones; Meryl Tankard, an Australian dancer, choreographer, and visual artist; and Meryl Cassie-Ponder, a New Zealand actress and director known for her work in theater and television.

Variations of the name Meryl

Meryl is a popular given name, particularly for females, that has several variations. The most common variation is Meriel, which originates from the Welsh name Mererid. It means "sea of brightness" or "bright sea." Another variant is Meara, derived from an Irish Gaelic name meaning "luminous princess." Other variations include Mairi (Scottish Gaelic), Merry (Old English, meaning "happy"), and Myra (Greek, meaning "myrtle tree"). In addition, the name can also be spelled as Maril, Meriela, Mearla, or Merilla. These variations preserve the essence of the original name while offering unique twists for those seeking a distinctive name inspired by Meryl.
NomOrigine Team
About the author :

NomOrigine Team

Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.

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