Merida is the Scottish Highland princess from Pixar's Brave (2012), fiercely independent, wildly curly-haired, and skilled with a bow, and 28 registry records suggest this Disney-Pixar tribute name lands almost exclusively on female dogs with red or wild coats whose appearance matches the character's signature look.
The Brave Princess Effect
Merida is Pixar's most visually distinctive princess: flame-red curls, athletic build, a horse named Angus. The name maps onto pets whose look echoes that description: Irish Setters, Vizslas, orange tabby cats, any animal with an unruly red coat. Irish Setters are the natural recipient. Owners who prefer their Disney tributes more specific than the generic "princess" tier find Merida satisfying.
Scottish Name Roots
Merida, likely derived from a place name or coined for the character, has genuine Scottish sound architecture: the rolled R, the open vowels, the three-syllable structure. It carries naturally in the same space as real Scottish names like Fiona or Moira. The human name Merida is rare in US birth records but not absent.
The Counter-Reading: Coat-Dependent
Merida on a black Labrador or a white cat creates a dissonance that requires explanation. The name's power is inseparable from matching the character's visual signature. Browse pet names for Pixar-adjacent options.