Certificate of Name
Meyrick
Welsh
Meaning & Origin
Meyrick is a Welsh surname, originating as a variant of the name Merrick. This surname ultimately traces its roots back to the Welsh given name Meurig, which itself derives from Old Welsh Mouric, likely a Welsh form of the Latin name Mauritius (see Maurice). The name Mauritius is a derivative of Maurus, and was borne by several notable historical figures, including Saint Maurice, a 3rd-century Roman soldier and patron saint of infantry soldiers, and a 6th-century Byzantine emperor. Etymology and Origins The surname Meyrick developed in Wales as a variant of Merrick, which itself originated from the given name Meurig. The base root ultimately is Maurice, a name brought to Britain by the Normans and later adapted into Welsh forms. The spelling Meyrick reflects the phonetic evolution in Welsh orthography. Notable Bearers Several notable individuals bear the surname Meyrick, particularly in Wales and England. Among them are Rowland Meyrick (1505–1566), a Welsh bishop; Gelli Meyrick (1556–1601), a Welsh supporter of the 2nd Earl of Essex who was involved in the Essex Rebellion; Edmund Meyrick (1636–1713), a Welsh cleric; and Edward Meyrick (1854–1938), an English entomologist. Others include Denzil Meyrick (1965–2025), a Scottish novelist, and Kate Meyrick (1875–1933), an Irish nightclub owner. Variant Forms A variant spelling of the surname is Meyricke, seen in figures such as Maurice Meyricke (ca. 1563–1640), a Welsh academic. The name can also appear as the first name, giving rise to forms such as Meyrick as a given name. Summary Meaning/Origin: Originally derived from the Welsh given name Meurig, which is a Welsh form of the Latin Mauritius (Maurice), meaning "Moorish" or "dark-skinned." Homeland: Wales Type: Surname (also used as a given name) Notable Regions: Wales and England
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