Meredith is a charming and elegant name of Welsh origin. It means "great lord" or "seeker" in Welsh, which gives it a strong and meaningful connotation. The name has been used historically for both boys and girls, but it has become increasingly popular as a girl's name in recent years.
The name Meredith is believed to have originated from the Welsh word "Meredydd," which means "great lord." Alternatively, some sources suggest that the name may have come from the Old English word "meredith," meaning "seeker" or "to search." Regardless of its exact origin, the name Meredith has a rich history and a powerful meaning.
One famous historical figure named Meredith was Sir John Meredith, who served as the Governor of New Hampshire in the late 17th century. Today, the name Meredith is still used widely, particularly in English-speaking countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom.
In literature, the name Meredith has been used in several notable works. For example, it is the given name of one of the main characters in the popular novel "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt. Additionally, there was a character named Meredith in the hit television show "Grey's Anatomy," played by actress Ellen Pompeo.
Overall, the name Meredith is a beautiful and meaningful choice for a child, with a rich history and a strong meaning behind it. Whether you're looking for a name that means "great lord" or simply want to honor Welsh heritage, Meredith is an excellent option to consider.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Meredith has seen a significant rise and fall in popularity over the past century in the United States.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Meredith was relatively uncommon, with fewer than 10 births per year between 1883 and 1911. However, starting in 1912, there was a notable increase in the number of babies named Meredith, with 34 births that year alone.
The popularity of the name continued to grow throughout the 1910s and 1920s, peaking at 106 births in 1920. This trend persisted into the 1930s, with over 50 Meredith births each year between 1934 and 1938.
However, after reaching a high of 104 births in 1941, the popularity of the name began to decline. By the 1960s, fewer than 50 babies were being named Meredith per year. This trend continued into the 1970s and 1980s, with a low point of just 5 births in 1993.
Since then, the name has seen some resurgence in popularity, with over 20 Meredith births recorded each year between 1994 and 2004. However, it has not reached the heights of popularity seen in the early to mid-20th century.
In total, there have been 4,257 babies named Meredith in the United States since 1883. While its popularity has waxed and waned over time, Meredith remains a distinct and recognizable name with a rich history.