What does Meridith mean and where does it come from?
Meridith is derived from the Welsh name 'Meri''dith', which means 'great ruler'. It has been adapted as a female name in English-speaking countries, especially in the United States, where it became popular in the mid-20th century. The name has historical significance and reflects traits of leadershi
Cultural significance
Meridith has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of great ruler.
Peak popularity
Reached #1130 in 1971 — currently #1460 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Meridith?
Meridith works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Meridith Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Meridith Rose
Floral · soft ending
Meridith Mae
Sweet · timeless
Meridith Claire
French influence · crisp
Meridith Jane
Literary · strong
Meridith Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Meridith right now?
Holding steady — currently #1460 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1460 | 740 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2022 | #1465 | 720 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2021 | #1470 | 690 | ▲ up 13149 · +11400% births |
| 2015 | #14619 | 6 | ▼ down 3293 · -33% births |
| 2010 | #11326 | 9 | ▼ down 5300 · -55% births |
| 2005 | #6026 | 20 | ▼ down 1826 · -31% births |
| 2000 | #4200 | 29 | ▼ down 301 · +7% births |
| 1995 | #3899 | 27 | ▼ down 1693 · -53% births |
| 1990 | #2206 | 58 | ▼ down 149 · +12% births |
| 1985 | #2057 | 52 | ▼ down 699 · -44% births |
| 1980 | #1358 | 93 | ▲ up 129 · +35% births |
| 1975 | #1487 | 69 | ▼ down 151 · -13% births |
| 1970 | #1336 | 79 | ▲ up 1543 · +316% births |
| 1965 | #2879 | 19 | ▲ up 1704 · +111% births |
| 1960 | #4583 | 9 | — |
The story of Meridith
Meridith entered American naming records in 1939 and has been in use for over 85 years. With 2,678 total births recorded, Meridith remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4161 in 1940 to #1460 in 2023. Meridith is used for both genders: 99% female and 1% male.
Names that peaked alongside Meridith in 1971:
Meridith by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 5 | |
| 1920s | 12 | |
| 1930s | 12 | |
| 1940s | 116 | |
| 1950s | 149 | |
| 1960s | 227 | |
| 1970s ★ | 888 | |
| 1980s | 656 | |
| 1990s | 357 | |
| 2000s | 188 | |
| 2010s | 68 | |
💎With 2,678 total births, Meridith is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Meridith?
What names sound and feel like Meridith?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Meridith also consider these
How is Meridith written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Meridith
What does the name Meridith mean?
Meridith means "great ruler" — a name rooted in American 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 Meridith?
Meridith is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Meridith?
Meridith originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
What sibling names go well with Meridith?
Meridith pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar American heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.
Is Meridith a common or rare name?
Meridith is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.