Last Name Merry

The last name "Merry" is of English origin. It is derived from the Old English personal name "Mǣri", which in turn originated from the Old English word "mǣre" meaning "famous" or "renowned". Over time, the name "Merry" evolved as a surname to denote a person who was well-known or highly regarded. It could have also been given as a nickname to someone who was cheerful or jolly. The name "Merry" is relatively uncommon today but can still be found in English-speaking regions.

Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Merry

In terms of ethnicity, the Decennial U.S. Census data reveals that the majority of individuals with the Merry surname identified as White, both in 2000 (92.92%) and 2010 (92.85%). The proportion of Merry's identifying as Hispanic saw an increase of 13.24% during the same period while those identifying as Asian/Pacific Islander grew by 8.06%. There was a notable increase among those who identify as American Indian and Alaskan Native, although they still make up a minor portion of the Merry surname holders, their percentage rose by 45.83% from 2000 to 2010. The percentage of individuals with the Merry surname identifying as Black decreased by 13.58%, and those claiming two or more ethnic identities dropped by 2.17%.

	2000	2010	Change
White	92.92%	92.85%	-0.08%
Hispanic	2.19%	2.48%	13.24%
Black	2.65%	2.29%	-13.58%
Two or More Races	1.38%	1.35%	-2.17%
Asian/Pacific Islander	0.62%	0.67%	8.06%
American Indian and Alaskan Native	0.24%	0.35%	45.83%

Merry ancestry composition

NomOrigine computes an ancestry breakdown for each customer. People may have ancestry from just one population or they may have ancestry from several populations. The most commonly-observed ancestry found in people with the surname Merry is British & Irish, which comprises 53.0% of all ancestry found in people with the surname. The next two most common ancestries are French & German (26.3%) and Eastern European (6.2%). Additional ancestries include Scandinavian, Italian, Spanish & Portuguese, Nigerian, and Ashkenazi Jewish.

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ANCESTRY BREAKDOWN	COMPOSITION
British & Irish	53.0%
French & German	26.3%
Eastern European	6.2%
Other	14.5%

Your maternal lineage may be linked to Marie Antoinette

Because it is so dominant in the general European population, haplogroup H also appears quite frequently in the continent's royal houses. Marie Antoinette, an Austrian Hapsburg who married into the French royal family, inherited the haplogroup from her maternal ancestors. So did Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, whose recorded genealogy traces his female line to Bavaria. Scientists also discovered that famed 16th century astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus traced his maternal lineages to haplogroup H.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Merry

The meaning and origin of the last name Merry

The surname Merry is of medieval English origin, derived from the Middle English word "meri," meaning "merry" or "cheerful." It is an occupational surname that was often given to someone who had a cheerful or lively personality, or perhaps to a performer or a festive individual associated with mirth and celebrations. The name may have been used to describe someone who was quick to lighten the mood in social gatherings, or simply to denote a happy demeanor. In the Middle Ages, it was common for surnames to be acquired based on a person's occupation, characteristics, or place of origin. The surname Merry likely became hereditary as these qualities were passed down through generations. Over time, variations of the surname emerged, such as Merryman, Merriman, or Merryweather, each with their own slightly different connotations. Today, the surname Merry can be found throughout the English-speaking world, with individuals carrying on the legacy of joyful and cheerful personalities.

Geographical distribution of the last name Merry

The last name Merry has a fairly widespread geographical distribution, with notable concentrations in different parts of the world. In England, the name Merry is primarily found in the northwest region, particularly in Lancashire and Greater Manchester, where it is believed to have originated. It is also relatively common in the surrounding counties of Cheshire and Merseyside. In the United States, the name Merry can be found across various states, including California, Texas, Florida, and New York. Additionally, there are significant populations of individuals with the surname Merry in Canada, particularly in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec. Other countries where the name Merry is present include Australia and New Zealand, mainly in larger cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Auckland. Overall, while the geographical distribution of the last name Merry varies, it is prevalent in various regions of England and has spread to different parts of the English-speaking world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Merry

The last name Merry has several variations and spelling variations that have emerged over time. One common variation is "Murray," which is believed to have originated from a Scottish clan name. Another variation often seen is "Merritt," which may have derived from the Middle English word "merry," meaning cheerful or joyous. Some other noticeable spelling variations include "Meri," "Meyrie," "Marry," and "Merrie." These variations might have arisen due to different regions, dialects, or changes made during immigration or official record-keeping. It is important to note that surnames have evolved and adapted over generations, so the spelling of "Merry" can vary significantly based on historical factors and individual family preferences. Regardless of the specific variation or spelling, the last name Merry continues to represent a heritage of happiness, joy, and merriment.

Famous people with the last name Merry

Unfortunately, there are no well-known individuals with the last name Merry that have gained significant fame and recognition in history. While there might be individuals with this surname who have achieved success in their respective fields or are well-regarded within their communities, they may not have attained worldwide fame or recognition. It is important to note that fame is subjective and can vary depending on cultural, regional, or professional contexts. Therefore, while the name Merry is not commonly associated with famous individuals, it does not diminish the accomplishments and contributions that many individuals with this last name may have made in their own circles and endeavors.

Genealogical research on the last name Merry

The surname Merry is of English origin and has historical roots tracing back several centuries. It is believed to be derived from the Old English word "myrige," meaning "merry" or "joyful." The Merry surname is typically classified as a nickname surname, indicating a personal characteristic or temperament. In this case, it referred to a person who was cheerful, lighthearted, or full of mirth. The first instances of the Merry surname can be found in medieval records in various parts of England, including Yorkshire, Norfolk, and Cambridgeshire. Over time, the name expanded to different regions as families migrated. Genealogical research on the Merry surname would involve a thorough examination of historical records such as birth, marriage, and death certificates, census data, wills, and land ownership documents. It would require tracing the family lineage through generations and connecting various branches of the Merry family to understand their origins, migrations, and potential connections with other families.

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