Meriel

I’ve only recently come across this name and absolutely love it, despite me not liking the related Muriel at all. Amazing how much difference one letter can make. It’s a very happy sounding name and has a real charm about it. Would consider for a daughter.

An absolutely gorgeous name that evokes a sense of merriment and otherworldly charm.

I love Meriel. It's lovely, melodic, and although I don't know anyone with this name, I think it ages well and could suit both a little girl and an older lady. It's also very natural and a nice alternative to Mary. I agree with the other commenter that it makes for a great middle name but as a first is also great. I like Muriel, but it seems to be disliked by so many people and considered elderly, so I think Meriel could be a great alternative to Muriel, or used to honour a Muriel. It has a lot of charm and I like how it sounds. When I think of Meriel, I imagine a little girl, with light brown, curly or wavy hair, medium light complexion and green or blue eyes. She is slightly built and small, and has fine features. She is cute and makes an impression of sweetness on people, which makes her easy to love and spoil. She's very intelligent, and knows that she has a lot of charm, which together makes her a bit cunning, and manipulative towards her parents. She's not a brat or anything like that but if she wants something, she'll know how to get it and will do anything to get what she wants, even if this means throwing a temper tantrum or two. Normally though she's rather calm, may have some very significant talent for example in music or visual arts, is very sensitive and, although a bit egoistical and focused on herself, easily moved by others' suffering, likes to help and be kind, also likes to be praised/rewarded in return. She likes to be out in nature, is playful though doesn't always get along with other kids the best, she either prefers to be the leader, or compete with others, or just play on her own. She likes her own company but is definitely not a loner and needs others' attention and admiration. She has trouble sharing unless she'll have some merits from sharing with others. Like everyone, Meriel has good and bad traits, but even if she's particularly mischievous, most people really like her and can't resist her charm and sense of humour. She has a particularly good relationship with her dad. That's just how I imagine someone with this name, not how I think all women with this name are like.

This is a beautiful uncommon melodic-sounding name. I think it goes especially well as a middle name for a lot of names.
E.g. Susannah Meriel nickname Sukey is so pretty.
Apart from botanical artist Meriel Thurstan some other prominent bearers of the name are listed at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meriel