was the
Lewis &
Clark expedition, so I don't think "girly" when I see it. :o) As for which mn is better, I think it depends on the number of syllables in your surname. If you have a relatively short (1-2 syllable) surname,
Elliot Meriwether should work just fine, but if you have a longer surname, I'd go with
Elliot Merrick to keep the name from sounding pompous or self-important.