What does Meredeth mean and where does it come from?
Meredeth is a variant of the name Meredith, which is of Welsh origin. The name is derived from the Welsh 'Maredudd', composed of elements meaning 'great' and 'ruler'. It has been used since the Middle Ages, especially in Welsh culture, but became popular in English-speaking areas during the 20th cen
Cultural significance
Meredeth has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of great ruler.
Peak popularity
Reached #5056 in 1982 — currently #1850 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Meredeth?
Meredeth works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Meredeth Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Meredeth Rose
Floral · soft ending
Meredeth Mae
Sweet · timeless
Meredeth Claire
French influence · crisp
Meredeth Jane
Literary · strong
Meredeth Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Meredeth right now?
Holding steady — currently #1850 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1850 | 350 | ▲ up 5 · +6% births |
| 2022 | #1855 | 330 | ▲ up 5 · +10% births |
| 2021 | #1860 | 300 | ▲ up 11527 · +5900% births |
| 1990 | #13387 | 5 | ▼ down 3722 · -17% births |
| 1985 | #9665 | 6 | ▼ down 3475 · -33% births |
| 1975 | #6190 | 9 | ▼ down 101 · +13% births |
| 1970 | #6089 | 8 | ▼ down 37 · +60% births |
| 1950 | #6052 | 5 | — |
The story of Meredeth
Meredeth entered American naming records in 1950 and has been in use for over 74 years. With 103 total births recorded, Meredeth remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #6052 in 1950 to #1850 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Meredeth in 1982:
Meredeth by decade
Meredeth peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1950s | 5 | |
| 1960s | 10 | |
| 1970s ★ | 49 | |
| 1980s | 34 | |
| 1990s | 5 | |
💎Meredeth has only 103 total recorded births since 1950 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Meredeth?
What names sound and feel like Meredeth?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Meredeth also consider these
Common questions about the name Meredeth
What does the name Meredeth mean?
Meredeth means "great ruler" — a name rooted in English tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Meredeth?
Meredeth is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Meredeth?
Meredeth originates from English tradition. English names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Meredeth?
Meredeth is a four-syllable name pronounced M IH1 R D AH0 T IY1 EY1 CH. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Meredeth?
Meredeth pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar English heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.