Meredith is a feminine given name of Welsh origin. It is derived from the Welsh name "Mererid," which is composed of two elements: "mer" meaning "sea" and "erid" meaning "great." Therefore, Meredith translates to "great sea."
The name Meredith has a rich history in Wales. One notable historical figure with this name was Mererid ferch Gwenhalian (c. 1285–1306), also known as Princess Meredith of Wales. She was the daughter of Prince Owain ap Gruffudd and Princess Gwenhwyfar, who fought against English rule during their time.
In literature, Meredith has been used as a character name in various works, such as the novel "Rebecca" by Daphne du Maurier and the television series "Grey's Anatomy," which has helped to popularize the name in recent times.
Today, Meredith is considered a classic yet elegant choice for a girl's name. It ranks among the most popular names in several English-speaking countries, including England, Wales, Australia, and the United States. Despite its popularity, Meredith maintains a timeless appeal with its unique origins and historic significance.
Merideth is a unique and uncommon name, with only six babies being named Merideth each year in the United States during the year 1927. This low occurrence rate suggests that it's not a popular choice for parents, perhaps due to its unconventional spelling or pronunciation. However, having such a distinctive name can be advantageous, as it may help individuals with this name stand out and be more memorable. Additionally, rare names like Merideth often have fewer nicknames associated with them, which could allow the bearer of the name to maintain their full name throughout their life if they so choose. Furthermore, being named after a statistical outlier like Merideth might inspire its bearers to strive for uniqueness in other aspects of their lives as well.