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Talk

Baby names

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

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Original poster

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).

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ThomasHardyPerennial · 30/01/2017 07:53

Really like it!

goldenrachita · 30/01/2017 11:15

I am not personally a fan of masculine sounding surname names for girls but other than that, there's nothing wrong with Merritt if that's your taste. It's not too 'out there' at all. There's something about it that I can't help liking. If it has meaning for you, that is the perfect reason. Babies grow into their names.

MrsMeeseeks · 30/01/2017 11:55

I like it. I read a book recently which had a female character called Meyrick and thought it was lovely. Merritt is unusual without being wacky.

SirSidneyRuffDiamond · 30/01/2017 11:59

I know a Merritt and think it's pretty. She is from Estonia so I assumed it was a name from her home country, but don't know that for sure.

LostMyDotBrain · 30/01/2017 12:03

I'm surprised at how many people like this one.

I'm not a fan I'm afraid, but I love that it'd be shortened to Merry.

It just doesn't sound like a real name to me. And it sounds quite masculine too. And she'll forever be having to correct the spelling. My name is spelled in a way that forever needs correcting. It's extremely annoying. I now tell people (jokingly of course) that I think my parents were drunk when they registered me.

Nemesia · 30/01/2017 12:05

In my Scottish accent it sounds really like the name Meraud (pronounced Merrid). Which I think is lovely.

Sophronia · 30/01/2017 13:21

I'm not keen, I think I'd go with something similar like Meredith, Merryn or Merrily.

smilingsarahb · 30/01/2017 13:27

I like it although I prefer merryn which wouldn't have the sentimental value. I think noone would think twice after initial introductions

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.

Stuffedshirt · 30/01/2017 13:53

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

ineedamoreadultieradult · 30/01/2017 13:55

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

Snobbycat11 · 30/01/2017 13:57

What does "out there" mean?

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.

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!

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.

Darlink · 30/01/2017 21:34

It's horrible and is Scottish slang for married

atheistmantis · 31/01/2017 15:48

OP, are you also considering the name Silver?

Floggingmolly · 31/01/2017 15:49

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

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.

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.

caffelatte100 · 31/01/2017 21:08

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

HughJarss · 31/01/2017 21:19

I think it's better as a middle name.

user1485899292 · 31/01/2017 21:51

This reply has been deleted

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

Original poster

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.

OP posts:

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

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