Meaning: Its source is a Spanish expression meaning "Mercies."

In French, this name is spelled with an accent -- Mercédes.

Languages: This girl's name is used in English, Italian and Spanish.

Compound Forms: Mersera

Alternative Spellings: Mercedez

Non-English Forms: Mercede

Popularity: The name Mercedes ranked 300th in popularity for females of all ages in a sample of 2000-2003 Social Security Administration statistics and 433rd in popularity for females of all ages in a sample of the 1990 US Census.

This name is highly rated in the 1990 U.S. Census popularity survey of all ages, but after 1960 does not appear in the state data listing the most popular baby names.

Narrative: This name derives from one of the Roman Catholic titles for the Virgin Mary, Maria de las Mercedes (''Mary of the Mercies''). However, the name's modern association with an upscale German automobile may have more to do with its continuing popularity.