MERRIAM
Merriam
The surname Merriam is of English origins, derived from the Old French personal name "Mariel", which means "rejoice" or "pleasant". The name was brought to England after the Norman Conquest of 1066 and has since evolved into various forms, including Merriman and Merryman.
Distribution and Meaning
The surname Merriam is widely distributed across the United Kingdom, particularly in regions with a strong Norman influence. The name is most commonly found in Southern England, although families bearing the Merriam surname can be found throughout the country.
Notable Individuals
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Charles Merriam (1874-1953): An American political scientist and professor known for his work on the theory of democracy.
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Louise Merriam (b. 1985): A British artist specializing in contemporary abstract paintings.
Variants
Variants of the surname Merriam include Merriman, Meriman, Meriman, and Merryman.
References
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Reaney, P. H., & Wilson, R. M. (1997). A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press.
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Hanks, P., Coates, R., & McClure, P. (2016). The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press.
There are approximately 90 people named Merriam in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around one in a million people in Britain are named Merriam.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Graham
- John
- Nigel
- Robert
- William
Female
- Dena
- Jill
- Penelope
- Rebecca
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.