Meriläinen

Meriläinen is a Finnish surname. As of 2023, it is the 66th most common surname in Finland. The name is derived from the Finnish word "meri," meaning "sea," and the suffix "-läinen," which indicates origin or belonging. Therefore, Meriläinen can be interpreted as "from the sea" or "belonging to the sea." Surnames with similar structures are common in Finland, often referencing geographical features.

The origin of the surname likely relates to individuals who lived near a significant body of water, such as a large lake or the sea, or perhaps were involved in maritime activities like fishing or seafaring. Like many Finnish surnames, Meriläinen became more widespread during the 19th and early 20th centuries as part of a broader national movement to adopt more distinct and often nature-inspired family names. This period saw many Finnish families adopting surnames that reflected their ancestral homes or livelihoods.

Notable individuals bearing the Meriläinen surname may include figures in Finnish culture, sports, or other fields, though specific prominent individuals are not universally recognized without further context. The distribution of the surname is primarily concentrated within Finland, with smaller populations found in countries with significant Finnish diaspora, such as Sweden, the United States, and Canada. The surname continues to be a part of Finnish heritage and identity.