Myrl
Primarily a girl's name of Greek origin with 1,831 recorded births. Also given to 1,261 boys.
Meaning & Origin
Parents who choose Myrl tend to be looking for something that feels real but not common — a name with 1,831 recorded births and a peak of 84 in 1916, enough history to feel legitimate without being ordinary.
The sharp, distinct ending gives Myrl a crisp, modern feel that pairs easily with most surnames.
Myrl is not in the current top 1,000 girl names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Myrl is a girl's and boy's baby name of Greek origin, a variant of Myrtle or Merle, connected to the Greek myrtos (myrtle shrub) — sacred to Aphrodite — or the Old French merle (blackbird). Used quietly in the early 20th century, it has a spare, nature-tinged charm.
EtymologyShow more
In the American context, Myrl is a girl's name with several decades of recorded use (1887–1956). Its Greek roots connect it to a broader naming tradition, but in practice, American usage often reshapes names — adding nicknames, shifting pronunciation, and building new associations that diverge from the original cultural context.
Though no longer in the top 1,000, Myrl’s 1,831 recorded births mean it has left a mark. Every name carries the accumulated identity of the people who have worn it — and Myrl has decades of that history.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Myrl has 68+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1887.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 1950s | 37 | ▼ |
| 1940s | 131 | ▼ |
| 1930s | 237 | ▼ |
| 1920s | 567 | ▲ |
| 1910s | 487 | ▲ |
| 1900s | 212 | ▲ |
| 1890s | 144 | ▲ |
| 1880s | 16 | — |
The Story of Myrl
A Greatest Generation name
Peaking in 1916, Myrl is a name steeped in history. Girls named Myrl are most likely born between 1906 and 1926.
How rare is Myrl?
With 1,831 total births on record, Myrl remains a rare and distinctive pick.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1887, grew steadily over the decades, peaked in the 1920s with 567 births that decade, and has since become a rare, vintage choice.
Myrl by the numbers
- Would fill 38 school buses
- Meeting one Myrl per day would take 5 years
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(68 years, 1887–1956)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 1956 | 5 | #6605 |
| 1953 | 9 | #4145 |
| 1952 | 10 | #3720 |
| 1951 | 8 | #4274 |
| 1950 | 5 | #5870 |
| 1949 | 8 | #4133 |
| 1948 | 6 | #5087 |
| 1947 | 10 | #3625 |
| 1946 | 14 | #2703 |
| 1945 | 15 | #2310 |
| 1944 | 11 | #2899 |
| 1943 | 19 | #2058 |
| 1942 | 17 | #2177 |
| 1941 | 16 | #2160 |
| 1940 | 15 | #2182 |
| 1939 | 11 | #2699 |
| 1938 | 15 | #2191 |
| 1937 | 25 | #1526 |
| 1936 | 19 | #1781 |
| 1935 | 19 | #1826 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Myrl as a Boy's Name
Myrl is a true unisex name. As a boy's name, it has 1,261 recorded births since 1896.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Myrl a boy's or girl's name?
When was Myrl most popular?
How popular is the name Myrl?
Can Myrl be used for both boys and girls?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1887–1956