Meaning and history
Merit has several distinct origins. As an English word-name it means “worth” or “excellence.” In Scandinavian use it can be a form of Merete or Margaret, ultimately from Greek margarites, “pearl.” Ancient Egyptian Merit or Meryt represents a different name meaning “beloved.” These traditions should not be combined into one translation. Notable bearers include Swedish musician Merit Hemmingson and ancient Egyptian noblewoman Merit, wife of the official Maya.
20062006: 9 births, rank #11,417
2007: 7 births, rank #13,924
2008: 6 births, rank #15,405
2009: no US SSA record for this spelling
2010: 14 births, rank #8,271
20112011: 7 births, rank #13,347
2012: 8 births, rank #12,199
2013: 11 births, rank #9,612
2014: 9 births, rank #10,955
2015: 12 births, rank #8,931
20162016: 11 births, rank #9,411
2017: 13 births, rank #8,299
2018: 8 births, rank #11,427
2019: 16 births, rank #7,025
2020: 11 births, rank #8,953
20212021: 14 births, rank #7,630
2022: 14 births, rank #7,631
2023: 26 births, rank #4,999
2024: 15 births, rank #7,251
20252025: 51 births, rank #3,130
In 2025, 51 babies were recorded with the name Merit, ranking #3,130 among girls.