Meridian is a unique and striking given name of American origin. It is derived from the word "meridian," which has two primary meanings: firstly, it refers to the highest point of the sun's path in the sky during the day; secondly, it signifies the middle or midpoint of something.
The name Meridian was popularized by the character Meridian-Lee Racine, played by Cher, in the 1983 film "Silkwood." However, its roots can be traced back much further. In astrology, the term meridian is used to describe the point where the sun reaches its highest position in the sky at midday. This phenomenon occurs daily and marks the precise midpoint between dawn and dusk.
In addition to its celestial connotations, Meridian also has historical significance. In many cultures throughout history, the term meridian has been used to denote a dividing line or boundary. For instance, in ancient Rome, the meridian was known as "meridies," which meant "midday" or "noon." It was also used to describe the imaginary line that runs from pole to pole and passes through the Earth's equator.
Despite its rich history and unique origin, Meridian remains a rare given name. As of 2019, it is estimated that fewer than 5,000 individuals in the United States bear this distinctive moniker. Its scarcity contributes to its allure for those seeking an unusual yet meaningful name for their child.
In conclusion, the name Meridian is an elegant and uncommon choice with a rich historical and celestial background. It serves as a daily reminder of the midpoint between day and night, and signifies the boundary or dividing line that unites opposites.
The name Meridian has seen a varied trend in popularity over the past three decades in the United States. With only 9 births recorded in 1992, it was quite rare at the start of this period. However, it gained traction in the following years, with a peak of 20 births in 2008.
Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, the number of babies named Meridian fluctuated between single digits and teens. The year 2007 saw a significant jump to 17 births, which was followed by another peak in 2008 with 20 births.
The trend continued to be somewhat volatile in the late 2000s and early 2010s, with numbers ranging from 7 to 17 births per year. However, since 2015, there has been a more consistent pattern, with the number of babies named Meridian hovering around the double-digit mark.
In total, over the past three decades, there have been 380 recorded births in the United States with the name Meridian. While it may not be one of the most popular names, its popularity has been steady and shows no signs of waning. It's always fascinating to observe these trends and see how they evolve over time!