Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Meredith is a name of Welsh origin, meaning 'great lord' or 'ruler'. It evolved from the Welsh 'Maredudd' and has seen various historical forms. The name is associated with traits of strength and independence, with no significant biblical connections. It gained popularity in the 19th century and is currently viewed as a classic name with a sophisticated image.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈmɛrɪdɪθ/
Origin
Welsh
Etymology
The name Meredith comes from the Welsh name 'Maredudd', which is believed to mean 'great lord' or 'ruler'. It combines the elements 'mari' (great) and 'udd' (lord).
Meaning
great lord, ruler
Language Evolution
Maredudd, Meredyth, Meredith
Historical Usage
Meredith gained popularity in the 19th century, particularly as a unisex name, and has been used for both males and females.
Variants & Derivatives
Meredyth, Maredudd, Meri
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Meredith is perceived as a sophisticated and classic name, often associated with strength and independence.
Famous People
Meredith Baxter, Meredith Vieira, Meredith Monk
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 2,087 peak births in 1980
Geographic Spread
Popular across 50 US states, with strongest presence in New Hampshire
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 13 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (5 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 5 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 704th of 7545 | 1,325 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 755th of 6773 | 1,251 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 1044th of 7552 | 974 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 1772nd of 10718 | 412 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 3702nd of 16616 | 225 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 15020th of 24088 | 31 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 859th of 9107 | 1,242 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 535th of 9204 | 3,133 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 553rd of 12526 | 5,403 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 226th of 19264 | 20,585 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 181st of 27321 | 26,553 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 370th of 35406 | 13,633 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 565th of 30306 | 6,565 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
35.17% 498th/1416 |
51.27% 707th/1379 |
39.69% 939th/2366 |
81.87% 935th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
34.86% 539th/1546 |
44.86% 698th/1556 |
42.29% 995th/2353 |
68.97% 1067th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
38.89% 866th/2227 |
60.91% 1480th/2430 |
41.04% 1171st/2853 |
- |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - |
60.78% 2458th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - |
56.72% 2946th/5194 |
- |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - |
68.67% 5022nd/7313 |
- |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
51.84% 734th/1416 |
49.75% 686th/1379 |
67.58% 1599th/2366 |
63.05% 720th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
29.82% 461st/1546 |
24.55% 382nd/1556 |
35.44% 834th/2353 |
29.80% 461st/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
27.21% 606th/2227 |
15.84% 385th/2430 |
24.54% 700th/2853 |
20.29% 563rd/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
9.43% 277th/2937 |
4.71% 164th/3483 |
5.66% 199th/3518 |
8.48% 343rd/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
5.24% 193rd/3685 |
3.17% 142nd/4475 |
2.54% 132nd/5194 |
6.76% 427th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
6.94% 318th/4582 |
6.55% 338th/5164 |
3.95% 289th/7313 |
10.64% 794th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
11.62% 463rd/3984 |
13.46% 604th/4487 |
7.39% 504th/6822 |
13.81% 867th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in New Hampshire across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Millennials (Gen Y) generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, too falling for female in South, stalled for male in West, too falling for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 704th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 755th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 1044th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1772nd out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 3702nd out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 15020th out of 24088 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 859th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 535th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 553rd out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 226th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 181st out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 370th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 565th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.