Baby Name Studio

Boy Name · French Origin

Merle

Top 1000 · 5 letters · Blackbird

Last reviewed: June 2026

Merle is a boy baby name of French origin, meaning "Blackbird". It currently sits in the Top 1000 tier of US baby names for 2026, and parents who love Merle often also consider Myrle.

Names like Merle

Frequently asked about Merle

What does the name Merle mean?

Merle means "Blackbird" and is of French origin.

What is the origin of Merle?

Merle originates in French naming tradition.

How do you pronounce Merle?

Merle has 5 letters and is most commonly stressed on the first syllable.

Is Merle a boy's or girl's name?

Merle is primarily used as a boy's name in US records.

How popular is Merle in 2026?

In our 2026 popularity tracker, Merle sits in the Top 1000 tier — distinctive but not obscure.

What names are similar to Merle?

Names that share Merle's sound and style include Myrle, Marielle, Mearl, Meryl, Merril.