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.
Based on the provided statistics, we can observe several trends regarding the name Meredith in the United States from 1939 to 2021.
The name's popularity fluctuated significantly over the years. The earliest recorded year with more than five births is 1947, with 20 babies named Meredith. However, it wasn't until the late 1960s that the name began to gain significant traction. In 1967, there were 31 births, marking a notable increase from previous years.
The peak popularity of the name Meredith occurred in the early 1970s. In 1971, there were 104 births, which remained relatively high in subsequent years, with 92 births in 1972 and 87 births in 1973. This period represents a substantial peak in the name's popularity.
However, after this peak, the frequency of the name Meredith began to decline steadily. By the late 1980s, there were fewer than 60 births per year, and this trend continued into the 1990s and early 2000s. The lowest point in recent years was reached in 2011 with only 7 births.
Since then, the popularity of the name Meredith has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 6 to 15 births per year up until 2021. As of 2021, there were a total of 2652 births in the United States named Meredith since 1939.
In conclusion, while Meredith was a popular name during its peak in the early 1970s, its popularity has declined significantly over time and remains relatively uncommon today.