Variant of Myrna, from Irish Gaelic 'Muirne' meaning beloved or high-spirited.
Merna is closely related to Myrna, and through it to the Irish and Scottish Gaelic muirne, a word carrying the sense of beloved, affection, or tender love. The name belongs to the Celtic naming tradition that prizes lyrical sounds and emotional resonance over classical gravitas, and its soft, flowing syllables — that open vowel, the liquid consonants — reflect a culture deeply invested in the music of language. Some scholars also connect the root to muir (the sea), giving the name an additional coastal, elemental quality.
Myrna Loy, the Hollywood actress who defined elegant sophistication in the 1930s and 40s, brought enormous luster to the name's family. Her portrayal of Nora Charles in the Thin Man film series — witty, independent, devoted, and equal to her detective husband in every respect — made her one of the most beloved actresses of the studio era and a feminist icon before the term existed. The name Myrna surged in popularity through her years of peak fame.
Merna, as a variant spelling, carried the same phonetic warmth with a slightly softer profile. By mid-century, Merna had settled into quiet use, particularly in the American Midwest and in communities with Irish or Scottish heritage. It now reads as a vintage name, solidly of the early-to-mid 20th century, which in the current climate of grandparent-name revivals positions it for renewed interest. There is something genuinely lovely about it — unhurried, melodic, unencumbered by the overcrowding that befalls more popular names, yet carrying a Celtic warmth that never quite goes out of fashion.