The baby name Meredith is a strong, traditional choice for a daughter. It feels familiar without being overused, and it offers a polished alternative to many classic names that currently rank much higher.
Thanks to Corinne for suggesting our Name of the Day.
WHAT DOES THE NAME MEREDITH MEAN?
The baby name Meredith has a thoughtful, intelligent sound. It is rooted in Welsh history, but compared to lyrical Welsh names like Rhiannon, Meredith feels more grounded and practical.
One possible origin connects the name to the Welsh element mer, which may mean “sea.” The second part is often linked to ludd, generally understood as “lord.” Early forms such as Mareludd, Maredudd, and Meredydd appear in the historical record. Because of this, Meredith is often interpreted as “sea lord” or “protector of the sea.”
Another possible source is the Welsh word mawredd, meaning “greatness” or “magnificence.” In that case, the meaning of Meredith would be closer to “great lord.” Both interpretations give the name a strong and noble quality.
During the Middle Ages, several Welsh rulers were recorded with forms of the name Maredudd. One notable bearer was Maredudd ap Tudur, the great-grandfather of King Henry VII, founder of England’s Tudor dynasty.
SURNAME NAME
Over time, Meredith also became an established surname. Like many surnames with medieval roots, it moved between family name and given name, eventually becoming familiar in both roles.
Actor Burgess Meredith, remembered by many as Mickey in the Rocky films, is one well-known example of Meredith as a surname. Sportscaster Don Meredith is another, along with English novelist and poet George Meredith.
An interesting detail from Welsh naming history is that Bedo was once a common diminutive for Meredith. That nickname helped inspire related surnames such as Beddow, Beddoe, and Beddoes.
UNISEX NAME
Meredith was historically more common as a masculine name, especially in Wales. Over the years, however, its use has shifted. In much of the English-speaking world, Meredith is now more often heard as a girl’s name.
That change may be partly due to the soft nickname Meri, which resembles Mary. The ending also contains the familiar name Edith, making Meredith look almost like a blend of Mary and Edith, even though its origins are different.
In Wales, Meredith may still be recognized as a traditional masculine name. In the United Kingdom, some people may be more aware of its history as a male name. Elsewhere, it often feels like a classic unisex choice, similar to names such as Evelyn, which also moved from masculine use to feminine use over time.
FAMOUS FIGURES
Since the twentieth century, many of the most familiar bearers of the name Meredith have been women.
You might think of:
- Meredith Baxter Birney, a longtime television actress best known for playing Elyse Keaton on Family Ties.
- Journalist and television host Meredith Vieira, an original moderator of The View.
- Singer-songwriter Meredith Brooks, who scored a major hit with “Bitch” in 1997.
- Dr. Meredith Grey, the central character of the long-running medical drama Grey’s Anatomy, played by actress Ellen Pompeo.
Shonda Rhimes created Grey’s Anatomy in the early 2000s. The series debuted in 2005 and remains one of the most recognizable medical dramas on television. It helped launch Rhimes’ career and brought wider attention to several actors, including Patrick Dempsey, Katherine Heigl, Sandra Oh, and Isaiah Washington.
The show has had a broad cultural impact, including influence on baby names. Character names such as Addison, Callie, and Finn received extra attention because of the series. Meredith Grey begins the story as a surgical intern at Seattle Grace Hospital and eventually rises through the ranks to become Chief of General Surgery. While the show is set in a hospital, its focus on relationships and personal growth has helped keep viewers invested for years.
Despite the popularity of Meredith Grey, the character’s name has not sharply trended upward in recent years. Other television shows, including House, The Office, and The Vampire Diaries, have also used Meredith for characters, keeping the name familiar without making it feel overly common.
HOW POPULAR IS THE NAME MEREDITH?
In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, Meredith appeared near the lower end of the boys’ Top 1000 in the United States. It never became a major favorite for boys, and by the 1950s, it had mostly faded from masculine use.
For girls, Meredith entered the popularity charts in the 1910s. It became especially well-used during the 1970s and 1980s, reaching its peak in 1980 and 1981, when it ranked at #140.
That timing makes the name a natural fit for Dr. Meredith Grey, whose fictional biography gives her a 1978 birth date.
Although Meredith has declined from its highest point, it remains a recognizable and respectable choice. As of 2024, the baby name Meredith ranks #492 in the United States.
For parents looking beyond the most common classics, Meredith offers a strong option. It can stand in for names like Eleanor and Caroline, and it pairs well with vintage favorites such as Louise and Opal.
UNDERGROUND CLASSIC
The appeal of Meredith comes from its balance. It feels traditional but not dusty, strong but not harsh, and familiar without being everywhere.
The name also fits with two lasting trends: the rise of gender-neutral names and the return of classic choices. Meredith can feel like an alternative to Avery on one side or Alice on the other. It has history, substance, and a professional sound, but it does not feel overly formal.
As a full name, Meredith works beautifully in adult life. It sounds capable, intelligent, and confident. For something more casual, possible nicknames include Meri, Merry, Mimi, and even Edie.
The baby name Meredith blends wisdom, strength, and approachability. It is time-tested but not too common, and it works well as either a first name or a middle name.
All of that makes Meredith a thoughtful and distinctive choice for a daughter.
What do you think of the baby name Meredith?
First published on November 17, 2008, this post was revised on March 9, 2026.
