"great lord, magnificent ruler"
Origin: Welsh
Language: English
Meredith
Pronunciation: [ m-EHR-ihd-ihth ]
Girl Name
#490 Most Popular
Steady
3 Syllables
A noble Welsh name once fit for princes
Welsh
English
American
Classic
Sophisticated
Literary
Strong
Vintage
Meaning & Origin
"sea ruler"
Origin: Welsh
Language: Welsh
The Story of Meredith
Meredith is an ancient Welsh name, derived from 'Maredudd' or 'Meredydd,' composed of the elements 'mawr' meaning great and 'eudd' meaning lord or ruler. It was historically a male name in Wales, borne by several medieval Welsh princes. The name crossed into England and eventually became used for both sexes, ultimately settling as predominantly feminine in modern times.
Meredith transitioned to a primarily girl's name in the English-speaking world during the 20th century. The TV drama Grey's Anatomy, premiered in 2005 with Meredith Grey as its central character, gave the name significant contemporary exposure and likely contributed to its sustained use among millennial parents.
In Wales, Meredith retains recognition as a historic name with royal and noble associations, though it's now rarely used there as a given name. In the United States it carries associations with intelligence and professionalism — the stereotype of a capable, serious woman.
Fun Facts
- Meredith was originally exclusively a male Welsh name — its shift to predominantly female is a relatively modern English development
- Several medieval Welsh princes bore the name Maredudd, the ancestor of Meredith
Meredith in Other Languages
Welsh
Maredudd
French
Meredith
German
Meredith
Italian
Meredith
Spanish
Meredith
Famous People Named Meredith
M
Meredith Vieira
Entertainer
1953
American television host, journalist, and longtime anchor of the Today show
M
Meredith Monk
Musician
1942
American avant-garde composer, singer, and filmmaker considered a pioneer of extended vocal technique
M
Meredith Grey Fictional
Other
The central protagonist of Grey's Anatomy, played by Ellen Pompeo, a brilliant and resilient surgeon
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #490
- Total SSA Count
- 621
- Cultural Origins
- Welsh English American
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Meri
Merry
Mere
Mer
Pairs Well With
Meredith Grace
Meredith Ann
Meredith Rose
Meredith Jane
Meredith Kate
Meredith Claire
Meredith Lynn
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Meredith is also used as a boy name, ranked #42313.
View Meredith as a boy name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
Can't decide?
Start a tournament bracket with Meredith and other names you're considering.
Start a TournamentLike this name?
Check how Meredith sounds with your surname and test for potential nicknames.
Analyze This NameExplore More Generators
-
🧝
Fantasy Name Generator
Create names for D&D and RPG characters
-
🐾
Pet Name Generator
Find the perfect name for your furry friend
-
🎭
Character Name Generator
Names for fictional characters across genres
Frequently Asked Questions About Meredith
What does the name Meredith mean?
"great lord, magnificent ruler" (from Welsh). "sea ruler" (from Welsh). Meredith is an ancient Welsh name, derived from 'Maredudd' or 'Meredydd,' composed of the elements 'mawr' meaning great and 'eudd' meaning lord or ruler. It was historically a male name in Wales, borne by several medieval Welsh princes. The name crossed into England and eventually became used for both sexes, ultimately settling as predominantly feminine in modern times.
What is the origin of the name Meredith?
Meredith has Welsh, English, and American origins. In Welsh, it means "great lord, magnificent ruler". In Welsh, it means "sea ruler".
Is Meredith a boy or girl name?
Meredith is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #490. As a boy name, it is ranked #42313. Meredith is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Meredith?
Meredith is pronounced m-EHR-ihd-ihth.
How popular is the name Meredith?
Meredith is currently ranked #490 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Meredith?
Common nicknames for Meredith include Meri, Merry, Mere, and Mer.
What are good middle names for Meredith?
Popular middle name pairings include Meredith Grace, Meredith Ann, Meredith Rose, Meredith Jane, Meredith Kate, Meredith Claire, and Meredith Lynn.
What are good sibling names for Meredith?
Names that pair well with Meredith as siblings include Rhys, Bronwen, Gareth, Seren, Callum, Gwendolyn, and Owen.
How many syllables does Meredith have?
Meredith has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Meredith a common or rare name?
Meredith is a popular name, ranked #490 for girls. It is well-known without being overused.
About the Name Meredith
Meredith is a girl name with Welsh, English, and American origins . The name means "great lord, magnificent ruler" in Welsh .
Is Meredith a boy or girl name? Meredith is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #490 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #42,313. Meredith is more commonly used as a girl name.
Meredith is currently ranked #490 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Meredith has 3 syllables and is pronounced m-EHR-ihd-ihth, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Meredith include Meri, Merry, Mere, and Mer. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.