Find out how popular the first name Meridian has been for the last 32 years (from 1992 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Meridian by gender

Based on the last 32 years of data, Meridian is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 14 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Meridian.

The history of the first name Meridian

The name Meridian has its roots in the Latin word "meridianus," which means "of midday" or "relating to noon." This word is derived from the Latin "meridies," meaning "midday" or "noon." The name's origin can be traced back to ancient Rome, where it was used to refer to the line or celestial circle that passes through the zenith and nadir, marking the point when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky at noon.

In the context of names, Meridian was likely initially used as a descriptive term or nickname for someone born around midday or someone closely associated with the concept of noon. The name's usage as a given name is relatively recent, with the earliest recorded instances dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Meridian was Meridian Leigh Arden (1873-1942), an American actress and singer who was active in vaudeville and on Broadway in the early 20th century. Another notable figure was Meridian Baptist Seminary, an American Baptist minister and educator who lived in the late 19th century.

In literature, one of the earliest references to the name Meridian can be found in the novel "Meridian" by Alice Walker, published in 1976. The book's protagonist, a young woman named Meridian Hill, becomes involved in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s.

Other notable individuals with the name Meridian include:

1. Meridian Paulton (1901-1988), an American film actress and dancer who appeared in several Hollywood musicals in the 1920s and 1930s.

2. Meridian Bryar (born 1983), an American model and actress known for her work in independent films and TV shows.

3. Meridian Jacobs (born 1968), an Australian artist and painter whose works have been exhibited in galleries across Australia and internationally.

4. Meridian Winfield (1927-2007), an American author and poet who published several collections of poetry and short stories during her lifetime.

5. Meridian Culver (1889-1963), an American architect and urban planner who designed several notable buildings and public spaces in the Midwest region of the United States.

While not as common as some other names, Meridian has a unique and intriguing history, with connections to astronomy, literature, and various artistic and creative fields. Its Latin roots and associations with midday and the sun's zenith give the name a distinctive and memorable quality.

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 Meridian was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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