Meredith
ME-rih-dihth
Meredith comes from the Old Welsh name Maredudd, combining mawr (“great”) and udd (“lord” or “master”), yielding “great lord.” It was originally a masculine Welsh given name before transitioning to feminine use in English-speaking countries.
The name was used as a masculine given name in Wales and England through the medieval period.
It shifted to primarily feminine use in American and British English during the 20th century, following the broader trend of Welsh surnames and given names adopted for girls.
What the name Meredith means
Meredith peaked at No. 140 in 1980 with 2,071 births. In 2024 it stands at No. 492 with 621 births, a steady mid-tier presence.
Famous bearers include journalist Meredith Vieira (1953-) and the character Meredith Grey in Grey’s Anatomy (2005-present), played by Ellen Pompeo. The medical drama significantly raised the name’s profile.
Three syllables — MEHR-ih-dith — with stress on the first beat. The name feels both formal and approachable, with a Welsh cadence that stands out in English-language contexts.
Parents drawn to Meredith often want a name with Welsh heritage, a strong sound, and an alternative to more common choices that nonetheless feels familiar and professional.
No major spelling variants are in wide use. Meredith is used in one standard form, though the Welsh original Maredudd is occasionally seen in Wales.
US popularity over time
Numerology and symbolism
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Famous people named Meredith
Meredith - similar names
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