Meyrick

Meyrick is an English surname, borne by individuals in various fields and sometimes used as a given name in historical contexts. The name has appeared in scientific, cultural, and historical records, often connected to families with long-standing local or regional ties in the United Kingdom.

The most prominent figure associated with the name is Edward Meyrick (1854–1938), an English entomologist who specialized in the study of microlepidoptera. Meyrick’s extensive descriptions of moth species and his taxonomic work established a foundational framework for the classification of small moths. He published numerous papers and books, including the multi-volume Exotic Microlepidoptera, which contributed substantially to lepidopteran taxonomy and nomenclature. His work influenced many later researchers in the field.

In zoological nomenclature, the author abbreviation Meyrick is used to indicate species for which Edward Meyrick was the taxonomic authority. This convention reflects his impact on the taxonomy of microlepidoptera and his role in describing a large portion of the group’s diversity.

Beyond Edward Meyrick, the surname appears in other historical records and biographical entries, though the most frequently cited association in scientific literature remains Meyrick’s contributions to entomology.

See also: high-profile individuals with the surname Meyrick, and the use of the name in taxonomic author citations.