There always has been a controversy regarding the derivation of the name 'merengue'. Some say that it has been derived from the French dessert confectionery called 'meringue', which is made up of sugar and egg-whites. This recipe has a 'light and bubbly feel' to it, which was compared to the same feature of merengue music-short, simple, and cyclic rhythm patterns. It is very similar to other Latin American music and dance forms, like salsa and bachata.
According to one version, merengue originated from the slaves who were tied together with one leg, while leaving the other free. They had to move and drag their free single legs while cutting sugarcane in the background of loud drum beats. This led to the idea of using only a single leg while dancing, in respect of the slaves who suffered. A second story tells of a war hero who returned home to his village after being victorious in many battles. Such wars were a part of the revolution that took place in the nation of the Dominican Republic in the 19th century. This soldier was limping as he was injured on one leg, and hence, to celebrate his patriotism towards his country, all the village people started limping and dancing to honor him, specifically on a 4/4 to 2/4 beat. This probably lead to the birth of merengue.
If the current scenario is taken in account, meringue is as famous as the salsa dance style, and in some regions, is the most popular Latin American dance type, along with salsa and bachata. The popular artists who are/were into this style of music are Juan Luis Guerra, Luis Díaz, Toño Rosario, Elvis Crespo, etc. Merengue (both music and dance) is now professionally taught at many dance institutions across the world.