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Meredith Unisex

Popularity: #428 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationMER-uh-dith / ˈmɛr.ɪ.dɪθ

Welsh; Latin

Meaning

Welsh: sea lord; Latin: guardian of the sea

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Meredith has its roots in the Welsh language, deriving from the elements "mered" meaning "sea" and "dith" which can be interpreted as "great" or "ruler." The earliest forms of the name can be traced back to the Old Welsh name "Maredudd," which was borne by a notable sixth-century king of Powys, a kingdom in what is now Wales. This historical figure contributed to the name's association with nobility and leadership in Welsh culture. Over time, the name evolved, and by the late Middle Ages, it began to be used more broadly, eventually anglicizing to Meredith in the English language during the 19th century.

The name gained further prominence through its association with various historical figures and literary works. Notably, the name was used in the 19th century by the Welsh poet and novelist, George Meredith, who was influential in the Victorian literary scene. His works, characterized by their exploration of human relationships and societal issues, helped to elevate the name's cultural significance. Additionally, the name appears in various forms in Welsh folklore and literature, often linked to themes of nature and strength, which further solidified its place in cultural memory.

Meredith has also been associated with various symbolic meanings over the centuries. In Welsh tradition, names often carry deep connections to the natural world, and the elements of the name suggest a strong relationship with the sea and leadership. This connection may have contributed to the name's endurance through generations, as it embodies qualities of strength and resilience. Diminutive forms such as "Meri" or "Merry" have emerged in informal contexts, reflecting the name's adaptability and continued relevance in various cultural narratives.

Trend Summary

Meredith has seen fluctuating popularity in the United States, peaking in the 1970s and 1980s.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Meredyth
  • Meredith

International Variants

  • Meredyth (English)
  • Maredudd (Welsh)

Famous people named Meredith

Meredith Baxter is an actress best known for Family Ties, Bridget Loves Bernie, and The Thanksgiving House.

Meredith Vieira is a television personality and journalist best known for The View, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, and Today.

Meredith Monk is a composer and performer best known for her innovative vocal techniques and interdisciplinary works.

Meredith Grey is a fictional character and the protagonist of the television series Grey's Anatomy.

Fictional characters named Meredith

Meredith Grey is a fictional character from the TV series Grey's Anatomy. She is a skilled surgeon and the central character whose personal and professional life is explored throughout the series.

Meredith Palmer is a fictional character from the TV series The Office. She is a receptionist at Dunder Mifflin who often provides comic relief with her outrageous behavior.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Meredith was first seen in the United States in 1895. Meredith has ranked as high as #264 nationally, which occurred in 1980, and has been most popular in Texas, New York, North Carolina, California, and Pennsylvania. In the past 5 years the name Meredith has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Meredith (2024)

StateBirthsShare
TX 68
12%
CA 44
8%
FL 31
5%
NC 28
5%
VA 27
5%
OH 27
5%
TN 27
5%
LA 26
5%
IN 22
4%
NY 21
4%
GA 20
3%
NJ 16
3%
KY 16
3%
MN 15
3%
MO 14
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18956
19005
19028
19038
19045
190510
19066
190713
190814
190916
191024
191116
191220
191338
191440
191549
191666
191763
191882
191966
192075
192199
192294
192381
192482
192591
192683
192793
192895
192999
193094
193172
193288
193385
1934127
1935129
1936165
1937152
1938194
1939194
1940172
1941231
1942272
1943327
1944328
1945309
1946332
1947346
1948294
1949290
1950304
1951359
1952315
1953329
1954282
1955300
1956288
1957236
1958217
1959259
1960247
1961255
1962261
1963188
1964301
1965345
1966347
1967355
1968536
19691,092
19701,352
19711,507
19721,434
19731,523
19741,519
19751,428
19761,468
19771,766
19781,880
19791,962
19802,071
19812,047
19821,954
19831,941
19841,937
19851,959
19861,927
19871,815
19881,855
19891,698
19901,556
19911,494
19921,463
19931,252
19941,230
19951,244
19961,181
19971,107
19981,111
19991,140
20001,092
2001957
2002833
2003840
2004953
2005853
20061,064
2007952
2008710
2009635
2010486
2011477
2012423
2013433
2014476
2015510
2016588
2017628
2018598
2019527
2020499
2021533
2022557
2023595
2024621