Name Meaning & Origin
🔊 MAR-ee-th /məˈriːθ/
"Sea ruler"
Data last updated: 2025 SSA records
The name Meredith is derived from the Welsh name Mareddudd, meaning 'sea ruler' or 'great leader'. The name gained popularity in England and has been used as a given name in the English-speaking world ever since.
Meredith is a feminine given name of Welsh and English origin. It is a variant of Meredydd, which is derived from the Old Welsh words 'mer' (mer), meaning 'lord' or 'great lord,' and 'ed' (ed), a suff…
Emotional Traits
Hidden Personality
Lucky Colors
Numerology: A leader, a pioneer, and an innovator. A natural born motivator and a visionary.
Life Path 1 — Independence & Leadership: Natural-born leaders, ambitious, and self-reliant.
Cultural Impact
The name Meredith has a rich cultural heritage, particularly in Wales, with its roots in the ancient Celtic language. It bears the influences of British history and mythology, reflecting the seafaring traditions and noble leadership of Celtic communities.
Spiritual Significance
For followers of Christianity, the name Meredith carries a deeper spiritual significance. It can be seen as a reminder of God's sovereignty and leadership over the seas and people. Additionally, it can evoke the image of a strong and wise Christian leader, inspiring those with the name to live courageously and faithfully in their individual spiritual journeys.
Age breakdown · state data · decade charts · popularity trend — all on the full statistics page.
Root element "Meredith" emerges in Welsh tradition, carrying the core meaning "Sea ruler".
Used in English literary and religious texts, spreading through cultural exchange.
Carried across regions through trade, religion, and migration. Multiple spelling variants develop.
Standardized in its current form. Continues to be used across multiple cultures worldwide.
~81,382 people named Meredith in the US. Peaked in 1980 with 2,087 recorded uses.
Meredith of the Desert, also known as St. Meridius, was a 4th century Christian monk who lived in the Egyptian desert.
Modern Usage
Meredith is a popular given name for females in the English-speaking world. It is derived from an Old Welsh name, Mawr-ida, meaning 'great lord'. In the Middle Ages, Meredith was a unisex name, but it has since become almost exclusively used as a female name.
Meredith means "Sea ruler" and is a popular Christian name with deep spiritual significance.
Yes, Meredith is a beautiful Christian name that carries positive meaning and is widely used in Christian communities around the world.
Meredith has Welsh origins and is rooted in Christian tradition and culture.
The Life Path number for Meredith is 1, associated with Independence & Leadership. Soul Urge: 1. Personality: 9.
Meredith is Predominantly Female. Based on US data, 5% male and 95% female.
Approximately 81,382 people in the United States are named Meredith. The name peaked in 1980 with 2,087 recorded uses.
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