Merced
Merced is a boy's name of Spanish origin.
Meaning
Mercy, favor, or reward.
Origin and history
Merced originates as a Spanish name derived from the Latin word 'merces', meaning 'mercies' or 'wages'. Historically associated with the Marian title 'Nuestra Señora de la Merced' (Our Lady of Mercy), it has been used as a given name in Spanish-speaking regions and the United States. In contemporary U.S. usage, Merced is quite rare for males.
Popularity in the United States
764 babies in the United States have been named Merced since 1880. It ranks #3912 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1920.
States where it is most popular
- TX (85.5 %)
- CA (14.5 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 0 |
| 1900-1910 | 6 |
| 1910-1920 | 58 |
| 1920-1930 | 82 |
| 1930-1940 | 83 |
| 1940-1950 | 84 |
| 1950-1960 | 86 |
| 1960-1970 | 62 |
| 1970-1980 | 73 |
| 1980-1990 | 75 |
| 1990-2000 | 79 |
| 2000-2010 | 52 |
| 2010-2019 | 17 |
| 2020-2029 | 7 |
Fun facts
- Merced is also a well-known city and county name in California, originally named after the Merced River.
- The name directly stems from the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy, founded in Spain in the 13th century.