merle

Merle is a given name and a surname, and it also refers to a coat coloration pattern seen in some animals, most notably dogs. In French, merle denotes a blackbird, and the term has been adopted into English as a name since the 19th century. The given name Merle has been used for both genders, and it has been borne by several notable people, including the American country musician Merle Haggard (1937–2016) and the actress Merle Oberon (1911–1979). The name also appears in fiction, such as the character Merle Dixon from the television series The Walking Dead.

As a surname, Merle is of French origin and is found in France and other Francophone regions. It remains relatively uncommon outside those areas.

The term merle also describes a coat coloration pattern in animals, especially dogs. Merle dogs show irregular patches of lighter and darker pigment, creating a marbled or speckled appearance. The pattern is caused by a genetic variant and is typically inherited in a dominant manner. Breeding two merle individuals can increase the risk of health problems in offspring, including vision and hearing issues, which has shaped breeding practices and advisories within dog communities.

In summary, Merle can refer to a personal name used for people and fictional characters, a French surname, or a specific coat color pattern in animals, with the dog coloration being the most widely discussed non-name usage.