History of your Surname
Get access to Merves family records.Start a free trial

Merves Family History

Merves Name Meaning

Historically, surnames evolved as a way to sort people into groups - by occupation, place of origin, clan affiliation, patronage, parentage, adoption, and even physical characteristics (like red hair). Many of the modern surnames in the dictionary can be traced back to Britain and Ireland.


Similar surnames: Mervis, Merkes, Mertes, Merges, Marvel, Hermes, Mergel, Terres, Mares

Search for a relative to learn more about your family history.

Hint: Try searching for a relative alive in 1940.

Black & white image of a young woman scientist

Where is the Merves family from?

You can see how Merves families moved over time by selecting different census years. The Merves family name was found in the USA between 1880 and 1920. The most Merves families were found in USA in 1880. In 1880 there were 5 Merves families living in California. This was about 63% of all the recorded Merves's in USA. California had the highest population of Merves families in 1880.
Use census records and voter lists to see where families with the Merves surname lived. Within census records, you can often find information like name of household members, ages, birthplaces, residences, and occupations.

What did your Merves ancestors do for a living?

Census records can tell you a lot of little known facts about your Merves ancestors, such as occupation. Occupation can tell you about your ancestor's social and economic status.

What Merves family records will you find?

Census Records

There are 142 census records available for the last name Merves. Like a window into their day-to-day life, Merves census records can tell you where and how your ancestors worked, their level of education, veteran status, and more.

Search US census records for Merves

Passenger Lists

There are 43 immigration records available for the last name Merves. Passenger lists are your ticket to knowing when your ancestors arrived in the USA, and how they made the journey - from the ship name to ports of arrival and departure.

View all Merves immigration records

Draft Cards

There are 55 military records available for the last name Merves. For the veterans among your Merves ancestors, military collections provide insights into where and when they served, and even physical descriptions.

View all Merves military records

You've only scratched the surface of Merves family history

Discover More

What is the average Merves lifespan?

Between 1962 and 2003, in the United States, Merves life expectancy was at its lowest point in 1969, and highest in 1989. The average life expectancy for Merves in 1962 was 74, and 93 in 2003.

View Social Security Death Index (SSDI) for Merves

Discover the unique achievements of ancestors in the Merves family tree

Explore Your Tree

Browse profiles of historical people with the Merves last name

Search for another surname
Enter last name/surname
Start a 14-Day Free Trial