Meri is a variant of the name Mary, which means bitter in Hebrew. Meri is also a Finnish name, derived from the word meri, meaning sea or lake. In Maori, a language spoken in New Zealand, Meri means good or kind. Meri is also a Welsh name, derived from the word mere, meaning boundary or edge. In Hindu mythology, Meri is another name for the goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. Meri is a popular name in Japan, where it is written as メリ (Meri) and means ameri or sweet. In the Philippines, Meri is a term of endearment, similar to sweetheart or honey. Meri is also a surname in some cultures, such as in Wales and Cornwall, where it is derived from the Old English word mere, meaning boundary or edge. In the United States, Meri has been used as a given name since the 19th century, and has been popularized by celebrities such as Meri Wilson, an American singer and actress. Meri has also been used as a shortened form of names such as Meridith or Merilyn, which are derived from the Old Welsh name Meredith, meaning great lord. In some African cultures, Meri is a name given to girls born near a river or body of water, symbolizing life and fertility. In the fictional world of The Lord of the Rings, Meri is the name of a character, a hobbit maiden who is a member of the Fellowship of the Ring.

The root form of Meri is Meri — meaning Sea; Mary.

Meri remains a beloved choice. Timeless appeal across cultures and generations.