Meaning: Its source is an Old French expression meaning "Blackbird."

Variant Forms: Merrill, Merlo, Meriel and Merel

Popularity: The name Merle ranked 468th in popularity for males of all ages in a sample of the 1990 US Census.

Though this name has fluctuated in use, it has been quietly present throughout the last century.

Narrative: This name might have derived from the Irish Gaelic Muirgheal and Scots Gaelic Muireall, both meaning ''sparkling sea.''

Meaning: Its source is an Old French expression meaning "Blackbird."

Alternative Spellings: Murle

Variant Forms: Merline, Myrle, Merlie and Myrlie

Popularity: The name Merle ranked 839th in popularity for females of all ages in a sample of the 1990 US Census.

Though this name has fluctuated in use, it has been quietly present throughout the last century.

Narrative: This name also developed as an alternate form of Muriel and Meriel, Gaelic-derived names meaning ''sparkling sea.''