The baby name Meredith is a subtle and sweet option for girls in modern times. It has not always been a name for girls, however, and was once only used for boys and as a surname in Wales. The name is not as popular as other M names for girls as it is currently number 585 in popularity.
Meaning and Origin of the name Meredith:
Meredith can be a boy's name and is more commonly used at a girl's name. It has Welsh origins and means “lord,” “great ruler,” and “great chief.”
The baby name Meredith began as a boys' name in Wales from the classical Welsh names Maredudd and Meredydd. It was originally spelled as Maredud and Maredudd. The name combines the Welsh words Mere (which may mean “great”) and iudd (meaning “lord”). In Wales, the name continues to be used for boys, but it began to migrate to become a girl's name during the 1920s. Some families from Wales even used Meredith as a surname.
Symbolism of the name Meredith:
Meredith comes from the classical names Maredudd and Meredydd. These both either mean “great lord” or even “lord of the sea.” This allows Meredith to have the meaning of “lord” or “ruler” in some form.
Nicknames for the name Meredith:
Meredith has several options for nicknames. If you are looking for a nickname or having trouble finding a good nickname for your daughter, take a look at the list we have compiled below. These options are sure to help you find the right nickname for your daughter or at least help inspire you during your search.
Style of the name Meredith:
Traditional
Gender of the name Meredith:
Meredith was originally intended for boys, but now it is mostly used for daughters.
Pronunciation of the name Meredith:
MEHR-e-dith
Number of syllables in the name Meredith:
Three
Emotion evoked from the name Meredith:
Meredith feels sweet and simple. It is a quiet name that does not draw a lot of attention.
Alternative spellings for the name Meredith:
- Maradyth
- Merydethe
- Maredith
- Meredyth
- Meridythe
Popularity of the name Meredith:
The baby name Meredith is not currently one of the most popular for girls according to the Social Security Index as it is number 585 overall. The name was number 143 in the year 1979, which was the highest rank that it has ever had. Meredith was on the top 200 list from 1971 to 1992, however.
Related names for the name Meredith:
Great middle names for Meredith and their meanings:
- Hazel (hazelnut tree)
- Laurel (laurel plant, bay)
- Rowan (little red-haired one)
- Raine (singing, queen)
- Rose (rose, a flower)
- Paige (helper)
- Nicole (victory of the people)
Famous people with the name Meredith:
- Meredith Vieira (TV journalist)
- Meredith Baxter (actress, “Family Ties”)
- Meredith Monroe (actress, “Dawson's Creek”)
- Meredith McGrath (professional tennis player)
- Meredith Andrews (religious singer)
Merediths in popular culture:
- Meredith Palmer (character from “The Office”)
- Meredith Grey (main character in “Grey's Anatomy”)
- Meredith Blake (character on “Parent Trap”)
- Meredith Davies (character in “Tru Calling”)
- Meredith Vickers (character in “Prometheus”)
The image featured at the top of this post is ©iStock.com/kurapatka.