indicate the level to which a name has been verified.
Type Surname
Usage French
Pronounced Pron. French: /mɛʁ.lo/(MERR-loh) // Anglicised Approximation: MUR-loh (rhymes with "Thoreau") [key]
Other Forms FormsMerlot, Merle
Meaning & History
The name Merleau is a rare French given name and surname, derived from "merle" meaning "blackbird" in French with the diminutive suffix "-eau", which can indicate a place of water or serve as a poetic augmentative, enhancing its natural imagery.A famous bearer of Merleau as a surname is Maurice Merleau-Ponty (1908–1961) – a major French philosopher, known for his contributions to phenomenology, existentialism, and perception theory. His work influenced modern psychology, art theory, and cognitive science.