At a glance
- In short
- Merdith is a unisex name of Welsh origin, meaning "great ruler" or "protector of the sea."
- U.S. rank 2025
- Not in the 2025 data · last seen 1988 (#10,386)
- Babies in 1988
- 6 (<0.01% of girls)
- Peak
- #3,244 in 1918
- First recorded
- 1917
Meaning of Merdith
Merdith is a unisex name that has a rich history and diverse associations. It originated from the Welsh language and means "great ruler" or "protector of the sea." The name Merdith can be pronounced as MUR-dith in both British English (/ˈmɜːdɪθ/) and American English (/ˈmɜrdɪθ/). The name has variations such as Meredith.
Over the years, Merdith has been given to both boys and girls, making it a versatile choice for parents who prefer gender-neutral names. In terms of popularity, Merdith has had varying levels of usage in the United States. According to data from the past century, it was most popular in the 1930s and 1940s, with occasional appearances in the top ranks for baby names during those decades.
Merdith carries with it an air of strength and authority due to its meaning of "great ruler." It also evokes a sense of protection and connection to the sea through its association with being a protector of the sea. These qualities make Merdith an appealing option for parents looking for a name that embodies power, resilience, and natural beauty.
Overall, Merdith is a unique and meaningful choice for your child's name. Its unisex nature allows for flexibility while its origins provide depth and character. Whether you are drawn to its historical significance or simply love how it sounds, Merdith is sure to make a lasting impression on those who hear it.
How to pronounce Merdith
English
- Pronounced MUR-dith /ˈmɜrdɪθ/
Popularity of Merdith in the U.S.
Merdith was last recorded in the U.S. in 1988, ranked #10,386 with 6 babies. It peaked at #3,244 in 1918. It first appears in the records in 1917.
- Rank among U.S. girl names (right scale, #1 at the top)
Year-by-year table, 1917–1988 10 rows
| Year | Babies | Rank | vs previous year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | 6 | 10,386 | back (not recorded in 1972–1987) |
| 1971 | 5 | 8,324 | back (not recorded in 1938–1970) |
| 1937 | 5 | 4,255 | back (not recorded in 1935–1936) |
| 1934 | 7 | 3,449 | ▲ 304 |
| 1933 | 6 | 3,753 | back (not recorded in 1931–1932) |
| 1930 | 6 | 4,047 | back (not recorded in 1928–1929) |
| 1927 | 6 | 4,286 | back (not recorded in 1925–1926) |
| 1924 | 7 | 4,002 | back (not recorded in 1919–1923) |
| 1918 | 9 | 3,244 | ▲ 1,350 |
| 1917 | 5 | 4,594 | new |
Notable people named Merdith
- Merdith Temple was a U.S. Army major general who served as Acting Chief of Engineers from 2011 to 2012.