Surname Merit - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
Merit: What does the surname Merit mean?
The surname Merit is of English origin derived from the Middle English, Old French "merit", a reward or worthy deed, which is from the Latin "meritum". Merit essentially means "deserving of praise or recognition." It was customarily used as a nickname for a charitable, helpful, or deserving person — referencing attributes of goodness and virtue. This name may have been given to those who earned it through outstanding conduct or service, particularly those who performed great works for their community or who were known for their good deeds. It is often found in early English records in various forms like Meriot, Mariet, Meriet, Merrett, and Merriott. Despite its centuries-old history, the surname Merit is relatively uncommon today. Thus, it can be said that the surname Merit signifies a historical tradition of goodness, virtue, and significant contribution to society.
Order DNA origin analysisMerit: Where does the name Merit come from?
The surname Merit is of English origin and is derived from the medieval personal name "Merit", which means 'boundary gate'. Its usage as a surname seems to have originated in the early 13th century in England. However, over time, it has transformed and varied in spelling, with instances such as Merrett, Merriott, Merritt, and Merrit appearing in English records.
Today, the surname, in its different variations, is distributed worldwide due to historic emigration and diaspora. In the UK, it is most common in regions reputed to have strong historical links to the Middle Ages. Similarly, in the United States, it is seen across various states, especially those that experienced high British immigration in the past. It is also found, although less commonly, in other English-speaking countries such as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Despite its diffusion, the Merit surname is relatively rare compared to other English-derived surnames.
Variations of the surname Merit
The surname Merit has different variants and spelling depending on the country and region. Some of these variations include Merrit, Meritt, Merrett, Meryt, Merritt, and Meret, among others. These names, especially the ones ending in "tt", are more prevalent in English-speaking regions, whilst the ones ending in "et" are more common in French-speaking regions.
The spelling can also be influenced by translation and transcription from other languages. Some names that may be related to Merit due to similar pronunciation or historic changes in spelling include Marett, Mariett, and Marit.
In terms of surnames with the same origin, Merit is believed to be of Anglo-Saxon origin, specifically deriving from the Olde English pre 7th-century "myrge", meaning 'pleasant'. Other surnames of similar origin might include Myrtle, which equally derives from "myrge".
Also considering that some surnames are derived from professions, places, or personal characteristics, it's possible other surnames related to qualities of merit (like Worth, Honor, or Praiseworthy) could be considered of similar origin, conceptually if not linguistically. However, those are quite far in terms of exact derivations or linguistic similarities.
Famous people with the name Merit
- Jesse Merit: Professional MMA fighter, striking specialist, and founder of Merit Gym
- Julie Merit: Award-winning American child actress
- Honour Merit: British artist and sculptor
- Tina Merit: Australian model, actress, and television host
- John Merit: American artist and designer
- Peter Merit: British entrepreneur and philanthropist
- Michael Merit: Canadian electronic music producer and DJ
- Kya Merit: American pop singer and songwriter
- Sarah Merit: British fashion designer
- Jonathan Merit: Canadian jazz musician and composer