The type specimen (UCMP 20052) that defines this species is named Merriamoceros coronatus taking after its discoverer, J.M.

Remains of Merriamoceros were found in rock formations dating to the Early Miocene period, 15.9 to 13.6 million years ago.

[1] Merriamoceros was originally named as a subspecies of Ramoceros, but later J. T. Gregory elevated it to a generic level, stating that its palmate style horns were distinct characteristics and required a separate classification.

[4] Merriamoceros was a prehistoric relative of modern pronghorn (Antilocapra americana), which is a species of artiodactyl mammal indigenous to interior western and central North America.

It is not known if Merriamoceros had any predators and much is still unknown about its paleobiology, but it is assumed that it was similar to the present day pronghorn and its extinct relatives.