Meridith Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Meridith has its origins in Welsh, derived from 'Meredydd', meaning 'great lord' or 'ruler'. The name has evolved from historical forms into its current usage. It is associated with traits of leadership and creativity, with no significant biblical relevance. The name saw a rise in popularity in the 20th century and continues to be viewed as a unique choice.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Meridith"
Pronunciation
/ˈmɛrɪdɪθ/
Origin
Welsh
Etymology
The name Meridith is derived from the Welsh name 'Meredydd', which means 'great lord' or 'ruler'. It is composed of the elements 'mer' meaning 'great' and 'dydd' meaning 'day' or 'lord'.
Meaning
great lord, ruler
Language Evolution
Meredydd, Meridith
Historical Usage
The name Meridith gained popularity in the 20th century, particularly in English-speaking countries, as a given name for both males and females.
Variants & Derivatives
Meredith, Meridith
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Meridith is perceived as a modern and somewhat unique name, often associated with creativity and individuality.
Famous People
Meridith McGraw, Meridith Baer
📊 Meridith Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Meridith Name Visualizations
✨ Meridith Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 104 peak births in 1971
Geographic Spread
Popular across 18 US states, with strongest presence in New York
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 9 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Same Pronunciation Names for "Meridith" - Complete Guide (4 Names)
Discover the ultimate list of homophone names and same pronunciation names that sound identical to "Meridith". These names share the same pronunciation but may have different spellings, offering alternative options for parents seeking similar-sounding names. Whether you're looking for American or British pronunciation variations, this comprehensive guide includes 4 carefully curated names that maintain the same phonetic sound.
Why explore same pronunciation names? Many parents search for homophone names to find alternative spellings that might be more unique or culturally significant. This ultimate list covers both American and British pronunciation patterns, ensuring you find the perfect variation of "Meridith" that fits your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Meridith"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Meridith"
"Meridith" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 5870th of 7545 | 17 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 6773rd of 6773 | 5 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 6723rd of 7552 | 10 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 4616th of 9204 | 67 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 3080th of 12526 | 275 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 1468th of 19264 | 1,128 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 2269th of 27321 | 836 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 6343rd of 35406 | 302 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 16495th of 30306 | 44 |
Regional Popularity of "Meridith" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Meridith" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - |
100.00% 2775th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
48.66% 1429th/2937 |
32.24% 1123rd/3483 |
52.16% 1835th/3518 |
51.98% 2102nd/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
67.95% 2504th/3685 |
57.16% 2558th/4475 |
47.54% 2469th/5194 |
73.31% 4631st/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - |
87.19% 6376th/7313 |
- |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Meridith"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Meridith" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Meridith" in the United States
The name Meridith is most popular in New York, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation X (Gen X) generation in the Northeast region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Meridith has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Meridith' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 5870th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 6773rd out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 6723rd out of 7552 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 4616th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 3080th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1468th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 2269th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 6343rd out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 16495th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Meridith' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.