Meredith
Meaning of Meredith
Meredith began life as the Welsh Maredudd, “great ruler,” and—much like a ship captain steering into sunnier waters—has sailed from a medieval masculine title to a modern, predominantly feminine charmer on this side of the Atlantic. She carries a soft, lilting sound (MER-i-dith) that feels both book-smart and approachable, and her resume is sprinkled with pop-culture nods: Dr. Meredith Grey scrubs in on primetime, actress Meredith Baxter graced classic sitcoms, and even the mischievous Meredith of The Office keeps everyone guessing. In the United States she’s long held a “just-right” niche—never topping the charts, yet appearing year after year—so parents land a name that’s recognizable without being run-of-the-mill. Add in the built-in nickname options (Merry, Red, Mer) and the name’s quietly powerful meaning, and Meredith makes a persuasive case for any little girl destined to lead with grace and a twinkle in her eye.
Pronunciation
English
- Pronunced as MER-i-dith (/ˈmɛrədɪθ/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
States Popularity Chart
Notable People Named Meredith
| Meredith Rachael Jones is an Australian cultural theorist who works as a professor and director at Brunel University London. |
| Meredith Vieira is an American broadcast journalist best known for moderating The View, hosting Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, and co-hosting the Today show. |
| Robert Reiniger Meredith Willson was an American composer best known for creating the Broadway musical "The Music Man" and the classic holiday song "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas." |
| Meredith Jane Monk is an acclaimed American multi-disciplinary artist renowned for her innovative works and receiving the National Medal of Arts in 2015. |
| Meredith Sue Hodges is an American equine trainer and TV personality specializing in mules and donkeys, particularly the contemporary saddle mule. |
| Meredith Ann Baxter is an American actress and producer best known for her role on "Family Ties" and her five Emmy Award nominations. |
| Meredith Miles Marmaduke served as Missouri's 8th governor in 1844, completing the term after Governor Thomas Reynolds' suicide, and was a Democrat who had previously been lieutenant governor. |
| Meredith Kopit Levien is the CEO of The New York Times Company. |
| Meredith Talusan is a Filipino-American author and journalist acclaimed for her Lambda Literary Award-nominated memoir "Fairest" and her writing in publications like The New York Times and The Guardian. |
| Meredith Lynn MacRae was an American actress, singer, and talk show host, best known for her roles in "My Three Sons" and "Petticoat Junction." |
| Meredith Ann Brooks is an American singer-songwriter who achieved international fame with her 1997 album "Blurring the Edges" and its hit single "Bitch," earning two Grammy nominations. |
| Meredith O'Connor is an American singer, businesswoman, and mental health activist celebrated by Forbes for her global pop culture influence. |
| Meredith McIver is a staff writer, author, and former ballerina who ghostwrote multiple books for Donald Trump. |
| Meredith Salenger is an American actress best known for starring in "The Journey of Natty Gann" and "Dream a Little Dream." |
| Meredith Andrews is a contemporary Christian music artist, songwriter, and worship leader who has won two Dove Awards. |
