countif and multiple named ranges

have 3 dynamic ranges in 1 column, defined by 1 named range
can use any math function (max, average,...) but can't use countif on this named range
do I need to define 2 named ranges and use the countif function 2x in the same cell ?
meaning, namedrange1,namedrange2
and use in cell '=countif(namedrange1,"<"&A1)+countif(namedrange2,"<"&A1)where A1 contains a fixed value ?

Is there no other way?
Why can't I just simply merge 2 named ranges ?