It's great-grandpa/dorky for a boy (baby today), and could seem ugly chic for a boy. Like
Earl or
Dwight or
Clyde. The early/mid 20th century American dude image is strong for me, and it's not appealing to me, at least not in this case. I don't think it becomes modern again... just like Lurlene and
Myrtle and
Floyd and
Herman didn't make a comeback, neither should
Merle (m).
For a girl I think it'd come off about like
Arlo or
Sloan or
Ellis does. Kind of a slick sexless retro surnamey chic. Like
Merrill, or Averil.
That's not my style exactly ... but I personally like it because I love the sounds in it.
I prefer -rl- in feminine names, and it reminds me of
Muriel a bit, so I'd rather use it for a girl. I like
Merel more, I think it's brighter, but still.
Merle f >>
Merle m
I think
Merrill would be cooler for a boy than
Merle.
Merle VioletMerle YolandaMerle MargaretMerle MichaelaMerle Acacia
- mirfak