Merideth

Meaning of Merideth

Merideth, a streamlined variant of the Welsh classic Meredith, reaches back to the Old Welsh Maredudd, most often read as “great ruler,” with a secondary maritime gloss of “protector of the sea.” Carried across the Atlantic, the name completed an intriguing gender migration, settling into primarily feminine use by the mid-twentieth century. In the United States it has long maintained a niche profile—appearing on the SSA lists since the 1940s yet seldom awarded to more than a few dozen girls a year, and in recent counts registering single-digit births. That statistical modesty grants Merideth the rare status of being instantly intelligible but hardly ever duplicated, a useful trick for parents who prefer recognition without ubiquity. Pop-culture ties run through the more common spelling—think Grey-Sloan Memorial—allowing this single-e form to borrow familiarity while retaining an off-beat sparkle. Phonetically, its MER-i-deth progression feels crisp and composed, and the gentle “th” ending lends an understated flourish. Altogether, Merideth offers a balanced blend of Celtic heritage, steady rhythm, and pleasant obscurity—a quietly confident choice for those who favor the road just left of center.

Pronunciation

English

• Pronunced as MER-i-deth (/ˈmɛr ɪ dɛθ/)

• Meredith
• Meriel
• Merritt
• Merida
• Merryn