Merrill 2 is an English surname with a toponymic origin, derived from various places in England named Merrill. These place names are formed from the Old English elements myrige meaning "pleasant" and hyll meaning "hill", thus denoting a "pleasant hill". The surname arose as a way to identify individuals who lived near or hailed from such locations. As a surname, Merrill belongs to a broad category of English locative names, which were commonly adopted during the Middle Ages as populations grew and simple given names became insufficient for distinction. The variation "Merrill 2" distinguishes this entry from the given name Merrill, though the two share the same linguistic roots. The given name Merrill is a derived descendant of this surname, having transitioned to use as a first name over time, particularly in the United States. Meaning: Pleasant hill Origin: English Type: Surname Usage: English