Summary

The surname MERRITT is of English origin and is derived from the Old French word 'merit', meaning 'deserving' or 'meritorious'. It is believed to have originated as a descriptive term for someone who was highly regarded or deemed worthy of reward or honor. The name may also have originated from a place called 'Merritt' or 'Merriott' in Somerset, England. Throughout history, individuals with the surname MERRITT have made notable contributions in various fields.
There are
45594
Merritts in the USA
Merritt is the
756th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Merritt

ConradMerritt

Conrad Merritt was an American baseball player who played as a pitcher for the New York Yankees in the 1920s and 1930s.

DorothyMerritt

Dorothy Merritt was an American actress known for her roles in several Broadway productions in the 1940s and 1950s.

JohnMerritt

John Merritt was an American football coach who served as the head coach of the Tennessee State Tigers football team from 1963 to 1983.

WalterMerritt

Walter Merritt was an English cricketer who played as a wicket-keeper for the England national cricket team in the late 19th century.

MargaretMerritt

Margaret Merritt was an American philanthropist and socialite known for her charitable efforts in the early 20th century.

RobertMerritt

Robert Merritt was an Australian explorer and surveyor who played a significant role in the exploration and mapping of Western Australia in the 19th century.

EmmaMerritt

Emma Merritt was an American suffragette and women's rights activist who fought for women's right to vote in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

FrankMerritt

Frank Merritt was a Canadian politician who served as the mayor of Vancouver from 1910 to 1911 and again from 1913 to 1914.

SarahMerritt

Sarah Merritt was a British nurse who served during World War II and was awarded the Florence Nightingale Medal for her bravery and dedication.

HenryMerritt

Henry Merritt was an American businessman and philanthropist who made significant contributions to the development of the telecommunications industry in the 20th century.

Merritt Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Merritt' is of English origin and is derived from the Middle English personal name 'Maurice' or 'Moritz', meaning 'dark' or 'swarthy'. It was originally a nickname given to someone with dark or black hair.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Merritt' is most commonly found in the United States, particularly in states like Texas, California, Florida, and Georgia. It is also found in Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Merritt' include 'Merrett', 'Meritt', 'Merritte', and 'Merrit'.
Migration and ImmigrationPeople with the surname 'Merritt' have migrated and immigrated to various countries, particularly during periods of English colonization and industrialization.