Addison. Callie. Isobel. Finn. Much has been made of Grey’s Anatomy, and the hit show’s impact on baby names. But there’s one that hasn’t taken off: Dr. Grey’s first name, Meredith.
Thanks to Corinne for suggesting our Name of the Day.
Meredith sounds smart. It’s a fitting choice for a doctor, fictional or not. While many Welsh names sound romantic, even fanciful – think Rhiannon and Gwendolyn – Meredith sounds quite down-to-earth.
Once upon a time, Meredith was more commonly used for men. The source is debated. While the last bit almost certainly comes from ludd – lord – the first part could reference either the word for great or sea. Mareludd, Maredudd and Meredydd all appear in the historical record, making for an etymological question mark.
Somewhere between the name’s debut and the present time, it also became a surname. We can’t help think of actor Burgess Meredith, perhaps best known as Mickey in the Rocky movies. And like several other names, it also came into use for women.
Since the 20th century, most bearers of the name have indeed been female. In addition to Dr. Grey, the small screen boasts Meredith Viera, formerly of ABC’s The View and presently co-host of NBC’s Today. Meredith Baxter was mom to Alex, Mallory and Jennifer Keaton on Family Ties.
I’ve known 3 Merediths, plus it’s my sister-in-law’s middle name, and her 2 year old daughter’s first name. It seems to have been very popular in my East coast area – all the ones I knew growing up were around my age. I’ve never liked it and this was helped along by the fact that the one I knew best was the meanest, cruelest, most spiteful person I knew in my tween years. I can’t like the name, despite my sweet niece and her delicious hugs. 🙁
I like Meredith a lot. I’ve only known one Meredith — she was a little girl who lived down the street from my grandmother’s house.
The name sounds strong and sophisticated but still fresh and kind of breath-y, if that makes sense. I think I like the “th” ending that isn’t seen too often (except on Elizabeth and a few very dated-sounding two-syllable names). Meredith’s not at the top of my list, but she’s one I’d readily go for if my husband ever suggested it.
Sophie, as a TV addict, I find no shame in loving anything on the tube! After all, the small screen has launched more names than I can list. 🙂
So I’m showing my age, but the one thing that troubles me about Meredith is that I tend to glance at the name and see Megadeth, as in the 80s metal band. It wasn’t my kind of music, but I grew up with big-haired cousins. I suspect this is a minority reaction, but it makes me even less willing to consider spellings like Merideth.
Still, I can see Miri working for a nickname. It’s less of a stretch than Mimi, and sidesteps the jolly holly vibe of Meri. In the Seth Rogen/Elizabeth Banks movie, Miri is short for Miriam – but I don’t know many Miriams these days.
Meredith’s not for me but I think it’s pleasant sounding and certainly not overused. And feminine, except in Wales. Meri’s alright but would lead to jokes when you are not feeling merry.
I have to admit that I’m a little bit in love with Grey’s Anatomy *shame*, so I will usually see Meredith as a name to don a girl that is obviously hard working and confident, but is always a little down – or at the very least, pessimistic. Like Katharine, here in Australia I have never met a real-life Meredith, so the only preconceptions I have of her really, are from Grey’s!
Overall, I like her sound – as strong but not too harsh – but she isn’t for me.
Oh, my little Mer! I found her first as my sister’s middle name, and it was bittersweet that Grey’s had a Meredith, to me. I thought that it would skyrocket, and figured “Hey, at least it’s a great name!” Then the people chose Addison. Now I love Addison. I love the character, I love the name (it’s my one guilty pleasure surname and my one guilty pleasure androgynous name) but I’m now sad that Meredith isn’t in the spotlight. And now it’s too far gone for a huge surge of Merediths, but I’m waiting nonetheless.
As for nicknames, I prefer Mer. Meri would be the only way to get “MEHR-ree”, Merry is too Christmas-ey for me. Mimi might be a stretch, though I have seen Merideth and Mirideth before, so maybe Miri? Not sure how you’d say it though…
I used to think she’d fit in quite well with my Gemma & Veronica, but I’m not so sure anymore.
Wow, Meredith has Welsh roots, pardon my ignorance… I think my only experience of Meredith is via American culture – isn’t that stange for a Welsh name? I first became aware of her whilst watching the children’s show Annie Mac and of course the singer Meredith Brooks is another famous bearer of the name – there are probably others but those sprung to mind.
The fact that I’ve never come across a real-life Meredith tells you how popular the name is in the UK, saying that though – she doesn’t feel unusual or try-hard, more practical and friendly. Infact you summed her up brilliantly when you described her as ‘capable and confident’. Overall I quite like Meredith, I don’t have a problem with the ‘Merry’ beginning but I do have a bit of an issue with the surnamey roots, I’m just not into surname-names not even ones that don’t sound like surnames…
Maybe it is regional, Just for reference (in case someone can shed light on Mimi/Midge) My “MIL” grew up in MA, moved to NJ as a 20 sonething and is still there. I asked her to clarify, she says her best friend Margaret was a Midge and told her that Midge was for any girl whose name started with M back in the 50’s. *shrug* beats me! I can ask her what ethnic group Margaret belonged to (but I’d be willing to guess where she grew up, WASP). 😀
Midge … hmmm … maybe it is. Maybe it is a regional thing, or maybe it changes over time. Or maybe it’s based on ethnic background? I can’t imagine an Italian Midge …
I’m intrigued. And at a loss! Anyone have any thoughts?
For Verity and