Merrideth is a unique and distinctive given name of Welsh origin. It is derived from the Welsh masculine name Meredydd, which is composed of two elements: "mererid" meaning "great" or "noble," and "udd" meaning "lord." Therefore, Merrideth can be translated to mean "great lord" or "noble leader."
The name Merrideth has a rich history in Wales. It was borne by several figures in Welsh mythology and folklore, such as Meredydd ap Maelgwn, a king of Gwynedd during the 6th century, and Merlin, the legendary prophet and magician from Arthurian legend. In some variations of the tale, Merlin is known as Myrddin or Meredydd.
While Merrideth is traditionally a masculine name, it has also been used as a feminine name in recent years. This shift can be attributed to its unique sound and distinctive spelling, which make it appealing to parents seeking an uncommon yet meaningful name for their daughter.
Overall, Merrideth is a compelling choice for parents looking for a name with a rich historical background and a unique meaning. Whether used as a given name or passed down as a family surname, Merrideth carries the weight of its Welsh ancestry and conveys a sense of nobility and leadership.
The statistics provided show the annual birth count for the name Merrideth in the United States over a span of several years. Starting with five births in 1970, the number fluctuates each year until reaching its peak at eight births in 1973. The following two years, 1974 and 1975, see six births each. There is then a gap of two years before another seven babies are named Merrideth in 1977. After this point, there's a significant jump forward to the year 1998, where five more babies with the name Merrideth were born.
Overall, over these selected years, a total of 48 children were given the name Merrideth at birth in the United States.