Help protect children from gaming harms.

Take our survey

Please or to access all these features

Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Is this name too "out there"?

58 replies

GreatScot8 · 30/01/2017 06:21

The name Merritt, for a girl?

It has sentimental meaning to me as it will (indirectly) be after my late father. His name was not Merritt, but the name relates to his favourite place (and where his ashes were scattered).

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Imaginingdragonsagain · 19/02/2017 16:30

I'd assume it was a boys name too. Prefer Merryn

ElvenMoonwings · 19/02/2017 16:28

I don't think it really sounds feminine. I would expect it to be a boys virtue name if I heard it. If that doesn't bother you, go for it. I love how it has sentimental associations.

Mrsknackered · 06/02/2017 00:25

I think it's lovely OP.
It could be teasable at school age, but you'll be hard pressed to find a name that isn't!

wooster16 · 06/02/2017 00:23

I think it's lovely. Could also be shortened to Mer, which is nice too "the sea".

SirSidneyRuffDiamond · 02/02/2017 20:44

Actually I've just checked and my Estonian friend's name is spelled Merit. One r and one t. No idea if it's a traditional name or not.

mathanxiety · 01/02/2017 19:19

I like it and I don't think it's too 'out there'. Suits a girl too imo.

It's like the name Marit, a Norwegian and possibly also Swedish version of Margaret. (Maret is the Estonian version a pp may have encountered).

ScarletSienna · 01/02/2017 18:59

I dislike it and would really not want it as my name (how I judge every name!). My reasons:

It sounds quite harsh and masculine
Merit is a noun and a verb so open to too many puns

I would however use it as a middle name. Maybe.

Chathamhouserules · 01/02/2017 17:58

I like it!

LastAnni · 01/02/2017 17:54

I used to live near Lake Merritt in Northern California, which is just beautiful. If I were to meet a Merritt, this is the association I would have and it would be positive. Go for it Smile

GreatScot8 · 31/01/2017 22:46

I have a first name that can be spelt two ways, so often have to mention that it's spelt "with a...", and my surname, though relatively common, can also be spelt several ways, so I automatically rattle off the spelling when telling anyone. I don't think it's a chore.

We're not in or anywhere near Scotland, so the slang doesn't bother me.

I like Meredith too, but it wouldn't have any sentimentality behind it. Smile

OP posts:
user1485899292 · 31/01/2017 21:51

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

HughJarss · 31/01/2017 21:19

I think it's better as a middle name.

caffelatte100 · 31/01/2017 21:08

I like it, sounds Dutch. WE know a Marrit (but not sure of the exact spelling)

mistressWiseGuy · 31/01/2017 20:29

I like it actually. When I saw "out-there" I was expecting treeblossom-fairy or something. It was a pleasant surprise. Go for it if you're both happy with it. You have my blessings. Wink

dailymaillazyjournos · 31/01/2017 20:27

I like it. And also quite like the association with 'merit' It's somehow on the same lines as Patience, Joy, Faith etc.

Yes she will have to spell it but that's the case with many names. I'm Sarah and you still have to go through the with an H or without an H thing. And it's a very common and much used name.

And it's lovely that it honours your DF too. Would go for it.

Floggingmolly · 31/01/2017 15:49

It reminds me of little Dorrit... Not a pleasant sounding name.

atheistmantis · 31/01/2017 15:48

OP, are you also considering the name Silver?

Darlink · 30/01/2017 21:34

It's horrible and is Scottish slang for married

Jooni · 30/01/2017 20:36

I love the sentiment behind it and, while it's not my personal style, I actually quite like it and don't think it's too out there. Agree that Merry would be a sweet nickname.

GatoradeMeBitch · 30/01/2017 14:00

I like it. And don't worry about the association with school merits, it can only be a good thing if people associate her name with getting awards!

Cagliostro · 30/01/2017 13:57

As a middle name I would but not a first name personally. I know a Meredith who is called merry though which is really pretty imo.

Snobbycat11 · 30/01/2017 13:57

What does "out there" mean?

ineedamoreadultieradult · 30/01/2017 13:55

Would have never have thought of it but could easily get used to it.

Stuffedshirt · 30/01/2017 13:53

I'm old fashioned because I much prefer traditional names.

DramaAlpaca · 30/01/2017 13:52

I think it would be better spelled Merrit.

Merritt looks more masculine to me, maybe because it's a surname.

Swipe left for the next trending thread