Surname Merry - Meaning and Origin
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Merry: What does the surname Merry mean?
The surname Merry is of English origin and its primary meaning relates to being joyous, lighthearted or cheerful, reflecting the nature of a person. The name is also described as being of a nickname origin referring to a person’s disposition. In some cases, it could also be a locational name derived from various places in England. For example, there's a place named Merry in Sussex and another place named Merryhill in Staffordshire. Often place names were used as identifiers when families moved to new regions. The surname has several variations including Merrye, Merrie, and Merrye. Over time, it has been anglicized into many forms due to historical variations in spelling, phonetic spelling by clerks and scribes, regional dialect and language mix. The surname Merry was first discovered in Norfolk and Suffolk where they held a family seat from very ancient times.
Order DNA origin analysisMerry: Where does the name Merry come from?
The last name Merry is most commonly found today in the United Kingdom. It is thought to be of Norman origin and was first found in the county of Kent in the late 11th century. The family name Merry is also found in many other countries, such as France, Ireland, Canada, and the United States.
In the UK, the surname Merry has been present since the mid-13th century and is particularly well-recorded in mid-Essex and East Sussex. Records indicate that members of the Merry family held prominent positions or land ownership in these areas in contemporary society.
The name became prominent in the church records as well. Many members of the family have had prominent roles in religion and education throughout the years, particularly in the Anglican church. This includes current members of the Former Prime Minister’s extended family: Lord David Edward Maximilian bary of Cambridgeshire, and The Honourable Sir Alexander George Walker Manningham-Buller of Bedfordshire.
In the United States, the Merry surname is most common in the Midwest. Census records indicate that the Merry family is comparatively more numerous in the states of Ohio, Indiana, and South Dakota than in any other region. It is also noted that the Merry family has flourished in all of the former colonies of the United States, from the original thirteen colonies to modern states like California, Texas and Florida.
Overall, the Merry surname is by and large found in the countries mentioned above, with the strongest presence in the United Kingdom. This is due to its roots stemming from Norman culture and its strong presence in church and educational institutions. The name is also prominent in the United States and its former colonies, with the most prominent numbers in the Midwest.
Variations of the surname Merry
The surname Merry has multiple variants and alternative spellings in different countries around the world, including the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, France, and Ireland.
In the United Kingdom, variant spellings of Merry include Merri, Mery, Merrye, Merrey, and Merrie. In France, variations include Maré, Marée, Marry, and Marrie. In Ireland, common variants include Meara, Meere, and Maere.
In some cases, the surname Merry has become blended with other surnames; variants such as Merrick, Merrell, Merriweather, and MacMerry can be found throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland. In English-speaking countries, the surname Merry also appears as Merryman and Merriman.
Although there are many variants of the name Merry, all of them represent the same origin. Today, people who bear the name may have a shared cultural identity and a shared genealogical heritage that unites them across national and language boundaries.
Famous people with the name Merry
- Tolkien John Ronald Reuel Merry: English writer, professor, poet, philologist, and university lecturer who is best known as the author of the classic high fantasy works The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and The Silmarillion.
- Samuel Philemon Merry: early American lawyer and politician who served as a member of United States House of Representatives from Massachusetts.
- Edith Mary Merry: English actress and theatre manager.
- Abercorn John Merry: politician and former Member of Parliament for the Scottish town of Kirkcaldy.
- Charlotte Merry: English actress who is best known for her roles on soap operas, such as Coronation Street and EastEnders.
- Ed Merry: English actor, comedian and theatre director.
- David Merry: Canadian actor, best known for his roles on soap operas and television series, including Smallville and General Hospital.
- Paul Merry: British television presenter, best known as the presenter of the children’s show "ITV Science".
- Victor Francis Merry: British soldier and one of the first recipients of the Victoria Cross.
- William Howard Merry: early American airmail pilot who was killed in a plane crash in 1924.
- Alexander Charles Merry: British politician, commander of the Royal Navy during World War II and later on in life, Governor of the Bank of England.
- Phillipa Merry: English actress, best known for her roles in theatre and television.
- Francis Merry: Irish politician and lawyer, who served as the Member of Parliament for Belfast.
- Michael Merry: English footballer who played for Manchester City, Wigan Athletic and Falkirk.
- Edward Thomas Merry: English cricketer who played for various counties in the 1890s.