Meriel \m(e)-riel\ as a girl's name is pronounced MARE-ee-al. It is of Irish and Gaelic origin, and the meaning of Meriel is "sea nymph; shining sea". Originally from Normandy and Brittany in France since the 16th century, with the meaning "sea nymph" from "mer" (French for the sea) and "eriel" (Breton for nymph). In the 18th century it went across the English Channel and became Muriel. In Ireland, it is Gaelic for "shining sea". Also related to Muireall, the Scots Gaelic form of Muirgheal. See also Mariel.
Meriel has 6 variant forms: Merial, Merielle, Meriol, Merle, Merrill and Meryl.
For more information, see also the related name Mary.