Merle
/mɜːrl/noun
A blackbird, especially the common blackbird of Europe.
Did you know?The English word comes through French from Latin merula, the common blackbird, and it has nothing to do with the modern name Merle except coincidence.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*mer-
“A proposed ancient root sometimes connected with dark or black coloration, though the bird-name chain is only securely traceable from Latin onward.”
Latin
Latin
merula
“The blackbird.”
Old French
Old French
merle
“A blackbird.”
Middle English
English
merle
“A blackbird, especially the European blackbird.”
Modern English
English
merle
“A blackbird; also a rare given name and surname.”