The baby name Meredith serves as a strong traditional pick for a daughter that’s not nearly as common as many in this category.
Thanks to Corinne for suggesting our Name of the Day.
WHAT DOES THE NAME MEREDITH MEAN?
The baby name Meredith sounds smart.
It comes from Welsh roots, but compared to romantic Rhiannon, Meredith feels a little more down-to-earth.
Or make that sea, because one of the name’s possible roots is mer – which could mean sea. Ludd almost certainly refers to a lord. Variations like Mareludd, Maredudd, and Meredydd are found in then historical record. More modern interpretations give list a Meredith name meaning like “sea lord” or “protector of the sea.”
The name might also come from the Welsh mawredd, meaning greatness or magnificence. In this case, the meaning would be closer to “great lord.”
During the Middle Ages, a number of Welsh rulers are recorded as Maredudd. Maredudd ap Tudur was the great-grandfather of King Henry VII, founder of England’s Tudor dynasty.
SURNAME NAME
Somewhere between the name’s debut and the present time, Meredith became an established surname.
Actor Burgess Meredith, best known as Mickey in the Rocky movies, is probably the most famous example. Sportscaster Don Meredith is another, as is English novelist and poet George Meredith.
Fun fact: one of the most common diminutives for Meredith in Welsh was Bedo, leading to surnames like Beddow, Beddoe, and Beddoes.
UNISEX NAME
While this name was more common for males, that has shifted over the years.
Maybe that’s a reflection of potential nickname Meri. Or possibly it’s because Edith is part of the name, making it look a contraction of Mary Edith – almost.
In any case, since the 20th century, the baby name Meredith has slowly become a female name in much of the English-speaking world.
Though in Wales, it would be recognized as a traditional masculine name. While you’re more likely to hear it as a male name in the United Kingdom, many have a vague sense that Meredith, like Evelyn, has history as a unisex choice.
FAMOUS FIGURES
Since the 20th century, most bearers of the name have indeed been female.
You might think of:
- Meredith Baxter Birney, a long-time television actress, best known as Elyse Keaton on Family Ties.
- Journalist and television host Meredith Vieira was an original moderator of The View.
- Singer-songwriter Meredith Brooks scored a smash hit with “Bitch”in 1997.
- But far and away the most famous small screen Meredith? Dr. Meredith Grey of powerhouse medicial drama Grey’s Anatomy, played by actress Ellen Pompeo.
Shonda Rhimes created Grey’s Anatomy back in the early 2000s. It debuted in 2005 and remains on the air, 22 seasons later. It launched Rhimes’ career, as well as that of several stars: Patrick Dempsey, Katherine Heigl, Sandra Oh, Isaiah Washington. It’s tough to overstate the show’s cultural impact. Many character names, including Addison, Callie, and Finn, were boosted by characters and story lines.
Grey is a surgical intern, new to Seattle Grace Hospital for the show’s pilot episode. Eventually, she climbs the ranks to become the Chief of General Surgery. While it’s set in a hospital, we follow the character’s personal lives, too.
But despite our love of Meredith Grey and interest in following her story, the character’s name has not trended in recent years.
Other television series, including House, The Office, and The Vampire Diaries have all given the name to characters, too.
HOW POPULAR IS THE NAME MEREDITH?
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the baby name Meredith hugged the fringes of the boys’ Top 1000. It never really gained traction in the United States. By the 1950s, it had fallen out of use.
Instead, Meredith debuted on the girls’ popularity charts during the 1910s.
It became a favorite during the 1970s and 80s, reaching peak use in 1980/1981, when it ranked #140.
Of course, that makes it exactly right for Dr. Grey, whose fictional biography lists a 1978 birth date.
While the name has fallen in use since then, Meredith remains a solid, familiar pick. As of 2024, it ranks a respectable #492.
It’s a substitute for more popular classics like Eleanor and Caroline, and fits with siblings named Louise and Opal.
UNDERGROUND CLASSIC
The versatility of Meredith is undeniable.
It fits with two long-term trends: the rise of gender-neutral names and a return to the classics. It’s an alternative to Avery or Alice. It doesn’t seem old-fashioned, but it’s not a new choice by any means.
The full name is perfect in professional settings. After all, the most famous Meredith is a talented surgeon, a household name even to younger generations.
If the full name seems like too much, nicknames of Meredith include Meri, Merry, or possibly Mimi or even Edie.
The baby name Meredith blends a sort of wisdom and strength with an accessible, established vibe. It’s a capable, confident name, time-tested but not too common. It works as a first or middle name, too.
All of that might make it the perfect name for your daughter.
What do you think of the baby name Meredith?
First published on November 17, 2008, this post was revised on March 9, 2026.
My name isn’t spelled quite right, but oh well. I have never gone a school year without at least two Merediths in my class. Personally, I hate the nicknames Midge and Mimi. I’m Meri or Mer (think Mehr) if not Merideth. I don’t like my name. Too me it sounds really old fashioned and rigid. It was not an easy name as a kid and in elementary school I used to beg my mom to change my name to Ashley or Sarah.
My 4-year-old daughter is Meredith, a name my husband and I loved in spite of the Greys reference. My criteria for a name is that it be underused but not made up; a classic that has maybe never been at the top of any lists. Meredith fits the bill. Our Meredith is most often called Mere (sounds like mare) or Mimi, the nickname given to her by her younger brother Nolan when he couldn’t pronounce Meredith. We have yet to meet another child named Meredith and I love that; in her preschool world filled with Avas and Olivias she stands out in a good way.
My name is also Meredyth, though I’m slightly different than most of the others that have posted as such, as I am one of only two Men I know who have the name, the other being my grandfather who im named after. After reading all the posts about this name, I figured I would toss in my two cents. It’s a very tough name to do with especially as a child, people I didnt even know would make jokes in some of the most inappropriate places, like at my first holy communion or my graduation, days that should be counted among my prouder moments, tainted by bigoted people who dont even care about a names true origin. only in extremely liberal towns am i treated with at least humane levels of respect.
My name is Meredith. I’ve never liked it, but I don’t hate it either. I wish it were more unique and not so old-fashioned.
Sadly, in entertainment save for Grey’s lately, Meredith has become a “mean girl” name- see the mean almost-stepmom in the new “Parent Trap” and the villain in the live-action “Bratz” movie for examples.
As for me, despite two negative associations, I like the name.
I have seen Maradeth and Merideth and do not like those however.
I’m here to give Meredith some love! I had not realized it but I don’t think I have ever met a Meredith IRL in Central California. I’ve always thought it’s a great name and I have recommended for others who are looking for a “frills-free” name. I’ll choose Meredith over Lindsey any day! I can see Meredith as an athlete, a cheerleader, a dancer, a principal, the president of a bank, a mom, a CEO. The name can fit a sports lover as well as Martha Stewart type. Since I’m not into nicknames she’d always be Meredith to me.
Myyyy name is Meredith! I did not like it all until recently, but now I do. I’m definitely the “frills-free” type. Oh, and I am a dancer!
What about Miriam as a name of the day?!