Meredith is a female given name of Welsh origin. Its meaning and history are deeply rooted in the rich cultural heritage of Wales.
The name Meredith is derived from the Welsh elements mered, which means "great," andudd, meaning "lord" or "chief." Therefore, the name can be interpreted as "great chief" or "noble lord." This meaning reflects the esteemed position and respect that chiefs held in ancient Welsh society.
Historically, the name Meredith has been popular among Welsh nobility for centuries. One of the earliest known bearers of this name was Meredith ap Tewdr, who ruled as the King of Deheubarth (a kingdom in southwest Wales) during the 10th century. This association with royalty and nobility has contributed to the name's enduring appeal among families with Welsh ancestry or those simply drawn to its regal sound.
In literature, the name Meredith appears notably in Charlotte Brontë's novel "Jane Eyre," published in 1847. The character of Mary Rivers is given the full name of Mary Matilda Meredith, adding to the name's literary significance and further cementing its place in popular culture.
Today, Meredith remains a unique yet captivating choice for parents seeking a distinctive name with a strong historical and cultural heritage. Its Welsh origins give it a sense of authenticity and uniqueness, while its association with nobility and leadership lends an air of strength and prestige.
The name Meridith experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years, with a notable peak in the late 1960s and early 1970s, reaching its highest point in 1971 with 104 births. However, it gradually declined thereafter, falling below 50 births per year from the mid-1980s onwards. Since the turn of the century, the name has been quite rare, with fewer than 20 births per year recorded since 2000. Overall, there were a total of 2652 babies named Meridith between 1939 and 2021.