Find out how popular the first name Merideth has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Merideth by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Merideth is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Merideth.

The history of the first name Merideth

The name Merideth is a variant of the name Meredith, which has its origins in the Welsh language. The name is derived from the Welsh words "mor" meaning "sea" and "rydddh" meaning "free" or "liberated." Together, these words form the meaning "great lord" or "sea lord."

The name Merideth is believed to have emerged during the Middle Ages in Wales, a period when many Welsh names were first recorded in written form. It is thought that the name was initially used by the Welsh nobility and those with connections to the sea or coastal regions.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Merideth can be found in the Welsh genealogical records of the 13th century, where it appears as a variant spelling of Meredith. During this time, the name was closely associated with the influential Welsh families and their lineages.

In the 14th century, the name Merideth gained popularity among the English nobility, as they began adopting Welsh names and traditions. This was particularly true in the Welsh Marches, a region along the border between England and Wales, where cultural exchange and intermarriage were common.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Merideth. One of the earliest recorded figures was Merideth ap Gruffydd (c. 1300-1368), a Welsh landowner and military leader who played a significant role in the Wars of Welsh Independence against the English.

Another prominent figure was Merideth Hanmer (1543-1604), an English lawyer and member of parliament who served as a justice of the King's Bench during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.

In the 17th century, Merideth Hughes (1636-1720) was a Welsh clergyman and academic who served as the Principal of Jesus College, Oxford, and was renowned for his expertise in theology and ancient languages.

During the 18th century, Merideth Jones (1701-1786) was a notable Welsh poet and writer who contributed to the preservation of Welsh literature and culture.

In the 19th century, Merideth Williams (1818-1892) was a Welsh-American businessman and philanthropist who made significant contributions to the development of the coal mining industry in Pennsylvania.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Merideth was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Merideth, please contact us.

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