Meredeth is a unique and distinctive given name of Welsh origin. It is derived from the ancient Welsh personal name Meredydd, which is composed of two elements: "mer" meaning "sea," and "iudd" meaning "lord." Therefore, Meredeth can be interpreted to mean "sea lord."
The name Meredith has a rich history in Wales. It was borne by several notable figures throughout Welsh history. One such figure was Meredydd ap Tudur (also known as Meredith ap Tudur), who was a Welsh nobleman and the grandfather of Henry VII, the first Tudor monarch of England. This connection to the influential Tudor dynasty has helped to solidify Meredeth's place in Welsh history.
Meredith is also associated with the legend of Merlin, the legendary prophet and magician from Arthurian literature. According to some versions of the legend, Merlin was originally named Meredydd before being renamed Merlin by his mentor, Blaise. This connection further enhances Meredeth's historical significance and cultural resonance in Wales.
In terms of popularity, Meredeth is not as common a given name today as it once was during its height in the Middle Ages. However, it remains a unique and appealing choice for parents seeking a distinctive name with a rich history and meaningful significance.
Meredeth is a unique and distinctive name that has seen varying popularity over the years in the United States. According to the statistics provided, Meredeth was given to an average of 6 babies per year between 1950 and 1990.
The name's most popular decade was the 1980s, with a total of 34 births recorded during that time. The peak year for Meredeth was 1982, when it was given to 14 newborn girls. This significant spike in popularity suggests that there may have been a notable event or cultural influence that contributed to the name's sudden rise in favor.
Despite its fluctuations in popularity, Meredeth has maintained a consistent presence in the United States over the past four decades. Its uniqueness sets it apart from more common names, and its varying popularity allows it to be passed down through generations without becoming overly ubiquitous. This statistical overview provides insight into the name Meredeth's history and helps paint a picture of its enduring appeal among parents seeking distinctive options for their daughters' names.