Of the sea
Merina is a rare feminine name likely derived from the Latin word 'marinus', meaning 'of the sea'. It is also the name of the largest ethnic group in Madagascar, though in a Western naming context, it is often chosen for its aquatic associations and similarity to Marina.
Less common today
Merina isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #5,455 in 1998.
US births per 5-year period, 1990βpresent (SSA data).