A 1980s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Meredith since 1883
Babies named Meredith per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 0 | 5 |
| 1890s | 6 | 28 |
| 1900s | 85 | 96 |
| 1910s | 464 | 559 |
| 1920s | 892 | 827 |
| 1930s | 1,300 | 613 |
| 1940s | 2,901 | 788 |
| 1950s | 2,889 | 508 |
| 1960s | 3,927 | 306 |
| 1970s | 15,840 | 255 |
| 1980s | 19,204 | 188 |
| 1990s | 12,779 | 64 |
| 2000s | 8,889 | 15 |
| 2010s | 5,147 | 5 |
| 2020s | 3,464 | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Meredith is a Welsh name that has undergone a notable gender shift. First recorded in the United States in 1895, it peaked in popularity in 1980. As of 2025, it ranked 469th nationally, a rate of 1 in 2,450 newborns. Its trajectory has been rising since 2013, after earlier decline. The name has been particularly favored in West Virginia, New Hampshire, and Alabama. Its revival in recent decades reflects a broader trend of reclaiming classic Welsh names for girls.
Meredith is of Welsh origin, derived from the personal name Maredudd or Meredydd. The name is generally interpreted as meaning "great ruler" or "protector of the sea" from the Welsh elements mawr "great" and ydd "lord" or possibly dŵr "water." Historically it was used as a masculine name in Wales until the 20th century, after which it became predominantly feminine in English-speaking countries.
Where Meredith is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Meredith” around the world
Where Meredith lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Quebec
13
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mer, Meredy, Dith
Variants: Meredydd, Maredudd
Sibling names for Meredith
Names that share Meredith's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Charlotte, Eleanor, Hannah, Vivian, Juliet, Blair, Cambria, Carlyn, Karyn, Mallorie, Merrill, Sidney, Mindi, Parris, Sinclair, Caralyn, Courteney, Gwendalyn, Gwendlyn, Korrie, Lyndall, Mallary, Melenie, Meloney, Meridian, Sherise, Tamitha, Carlyon, Glynda, Kursten, Loriel, Maryl, Morissa, Teralyn, Tamsyn, Cybill, Liticia, Meridee, Merranda, Sayward
Brothers: Owen, Ethan, Nathan, Graham, Julian, Lyndon, Rand, Carleton, Deric, Durell, Glendon, Marquette, Rodrick, Sherrod, Baird, Burgess, Crayton, Gerrick, Kenric, Kimble, Lyndal, Markham, Randol, Stevin, Whitfield, Jarrick, Kurtiss, Marnell, Martel, Taliesin, Thaxton, Zacariah, Cederic, Cleburne, Glendel, Grantland, Gresham, Jerritt, Maruice, Merick, Myrick, Zedric
Names like Meredith
Names whose popularity has moved with Meredith's over the last 50 years.
