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Meredith

♀ Girl

Pronounced MAIR-uh-dith /ˈmɛr.ə.dɪθ/High

Meaning: From the Welsh name Maredudd or Meredydd, composed of 'mawr' (great) and 'udd' (lord, ruler), meaning 'great lord' or 'great ruler'; also sometimes interpreted as related to the seaHigh

In 30 seconds: Meredith is a dignified Welsh name meaning 'great ruler,' originally a boys' name that has become strongly associated with girls in the English-speaking world. Literary, warm, and distinctive, it holds a special place in Welsh heritage.
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Origin HighWelsh
MeaningFrom the Welsh name Maredudd or Meredydd, composed of 'mawr' (great) and 'udd' (lord, ruler), meaning 'great lord' or 'great ruler'; also sometimes interpreted as related to the sea
U.S. rank (2025)#469 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births656 girls (0.04% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1980
Total births (all-time)≈ 77,781

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 198018952025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Meredith is the Anglicized form of the Welsh Maredudd or Meredydd, composed of mawr (great) and udd (lord, ruler). It was originally a masculine name borne by Welsh princes, notably Meredith ap Bleddyn, a medieval king of Powys. The transition to feminine use in English-speaking countries occurred gradually from the 20th century onward.

In Wales, Meredith/Meredydd remains a masculine name. In England and the United States it is now almost exclusively used for girls. The name gained cultural visibility through TV series like Grey's Anatomy (character Meredith Grey) and has been a steady presence in U.S. naming charts.

Did you know? Meredith is one of the rare Welsh names to have successfully crossed into widespread English use while retaining its original spelling — most Welsh names are either simplified or remain uncommon outside Wales. Meredith managed both worlds.
Overall data confidence 90%
Behind the Name — Meredith — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

MeredythMeridethMeridith

Nicknames

MerriMeriRedi

Famous Bearers

  • ★Meredith Grey
    Protagonist of the TV series Grey's Anatomy, played by Ellen Pompeo
  • ★Meredith ap Bleddyn (c. 1047–1132)
    Medieval Welsh king of Powys, died 1132

If you like Meredith…

Morgan— shares the Welsh origin and the same transition from masculine to feminine use in English
Bronwen— another Welsh feminine name with the same Celtic dignity
Rowena— shares the Celtic/medieval heritage and the same literary association
Rhiannon— equally rooted in Welsh mythology and culture

Frequently Asked

What does Meredith mean?

Meredith means 'great ruler' or 'great lord,' from Welsh 'mawr' (great) and 'udd' (lord, ruler). It was originally a masculine Welsh name.

How do you pronounce Meredith?

Meredith is pronounced MAIR-uh-dith /ˈmɛr.ə.dɪθ/ — three syllables with stress on the first.

Was Meredith originally a boy's name?

Yes. Meredith (Maredudd) is a traditional Welsh masculine name borne by medieval Welsh princes. In English-speaking countries it transitioned to feminine use during the 20th century.

Is Meredith popular?

Meredith has been a steady presence in the U.S. girls' top 200 and gained visibility through the TV series Grey's Anatomy's lead character Meredith Grey.