Meredith
Meredith Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity
ME-rih-dihth
Meaning of Meredith: Meredith is a Welsh name from Old Welsh Meredudd or Maredudd, composed of two elements. The second element udd means "lord" or "ruler." The first element is debated - possibly from Welsh mawredd (greatness) or a sea-related root (mor). The most cited interpretation is "great lord" or "sea lord," though Welsh scholars continue to debate the precise meaning of the first component.
Meredith was originally a masculine name in Wales, borne by Welsh princes from the medieval period. Maredudd ap Owain (died 999 AD), King of Deheubarth, was one of the most powerful Welsh rulers of the 10th century. The name was common among Welsh royalty, and the Anglicized Meredith entered English records following English administration of Wales from the late 13th century onward.
The transition from masculine to feminine in American usage occurred gradually through the 20th century. By the 1960s, Meredith was used for girls as often as boys in US birth records, and by the 1980s it was predominantly feminine. This gender shift follows the pattern of names like Evelyn, Leslie, and Ashley that moved from male to female usage across the 20th century in American naming records.
What Does Meredith Mean? Origin & Etymology
According to SSA records, Meredith ranked inside the top 200 girls' names from 1985 through 2003, peaking at rank 139 in 1990. By 2024 it ranked 492 with 621 births - maintaining appeal among parents who value its Welsh royal heritage and association with the television drama Grey's Anatomy protagonist Meredith Grey (since 2005).
Meredith offers three syllables, a clearly Welsh pedigree, and the nickname Meri or Merry. Its royal Welsh history and medical drama association give it a distinctive profile among vintage-leaning girls' names. Explore Welsh history at Britannica.
How Popular Is Meredith?
Numerology & Symbolism of Meredith
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Meredith – Similar Names & Alternatives
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Frequently Asked Questions about Meredith
What does the name Meredith mean?
The name Meredith carries roots in Welsh and reflects the naming values of that cultural tradition. The precise meaning connects to concepts meaningful in its source language and culture.
How popular is the name Meredith in the United States?
According to SSA records, Meredith ranked #492 for girl names in the United States, with 621 births recorded in the most recent annual count. The name hit its highest SSA rank in 2024. It has held a consistent place in US naming statistics across multiple decades.
Where does the name Meredith come from?
The name Meredith comes from Welsh. It entered English use through the linguistic and cultural channels typical of Welsh-origin names—whether through religious texts, migration, or the prestige associated with classical learning. Today it is recognized as a girl’s name across the English-speaking world.