Meaning: Its source is Muriel, an English name meaning "Sparkling sea."

Origin: "Muriel."

Narrative: Some experts dispute this name's derivation from Muriel, and believe it was invented at the beginning of the 20th century, modeled on Cheryl.

In any case, actress Meryl Streep (born Mary Louise Streep in 1949) has contributed greatly to its popularity since the 1980s.