Merritt Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Merritt come from? What does the surname Merritt mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Merritt and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Merriott, Meritt, Merrett, Merriett, Merrit, Merritts
Surname Merritt Origin: What does the last name Merritt mean?
The Merritt surname has its origins in England, specifically dating back to the early 16th century. The name is believed to have been derived from the Old English term for a metalworker, similar to the occupational roots of the surname Smith. Over time, the Merritt surname has become widespread, particularly in the United States, where it is common among individuals of English, Scottish, and Irish descent. It is also found among African Americans, either inherited from former slaveholders or adopted based on their trade. As of 2010, over 2.4 million Americans bore the surname Merritt, showcasing its enduring presence in the English-speaking world.
According to YourRoots data, the Merritt surname has a long history of growth and spread, with records indicating its presence in the United Kingdom since the early 16th century. The name continued to expand globally, appearing in countries like France by the 15th century. By the 17th century, the Merritt surname had established itself prominently in the United States and is now found in various regions worldwide, including India, Spain, Argentina, Germany, Ireland, and Nigeria. This widespread distribution highlights the enduring legacy of the Merritt surname and its evolution across different cultures and geographies.
Merritt Last Name History: Where did the last name Merritt come from?
Origin of Merritt Surname: Where does the last name Merritt originate from?
The earliest record of the surname Merritt in the YourRoots database is from the United Kingdom, specifically England, dating back to the early 16th century. This data reflects only the Merritt spelling and does not account for other potential sources or surname variants.
History of the Last Name Merritt: What does the Merritt surname history look like in the early days?
The Merritt surname remained closely associated with England (United Kingdom) during the 16th century. However, by the start of the 17th century, the frequency of Merritt family records began to grow significantly in the United States, a trend that became more pronounced over the next few centuries based on YourRoots data.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Merritt surname today?
The volume of Merritt surname records increased significantly in the United States from the 16th to the 19th century. The Merritt surname remains prominent in the United States today, reflecting a long history of growth and spread. While the United States holds the highest frequency of Merritt records, the surname also appears in other regions worldwide, including but not limited to the United Kingdom.
Explore Merritt last name heritage and Merritt surname origin based on YourRoots Map data
VIEW THE ORIGIN OF SURNAME MERRITT
Famous People With Merritt Surame?
Theresa Merritt
Theresa Merritt Hines (September 24, 1922 - June 12, 1998) was an American actress known for her roles in "That's My Mama," "The Wiz," and "Billy Madison." She earned a Tony Award nomination for her portrayal of Ma Rainey and Aunt Em in film adaptations.
Stephin Merritt
Stephin Merritt (Feb 9, 1965 - ) is an American singer-songwriter known for his work with bands like the Magnetic Fields and the Gothic Archies. His distinctive bass voice and clever lyrics have earned him acclaim in the music industry. Merritt's diverse musical projects showcase his talent and creativity.
Tift Merritt
Catherine Tift Merritt (born Jan 8, 1975) is an American singer-songwriter and musician known for her soulful sound and poignant lyrics. She has released multiple albums and received critical acclaim for her work, drawing comparisons to artists like Joni Mitchell and Emmylou Harris.
Edwin Albert Merritt
Edwin Albert Merritt (July 25, 1860 - December 4, 1914) was an American politician from New York. He served as a Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1912 to 1914, known for his leadership in the New York State Assembly and his role in the 62nd and 63rd United States Congress.
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