Meredith

girlWelsh

Meredith is a girl name of Welsh origin, meaning “Great lord; possibly sea lord”.

MeaningGreat lord; possibly sea lord
GenderGirl
OriginWelsh
PronunciationMER-uh-dith
TraditionModern & Classic
Used inUnited States, United Kingdom, Canada

Meaning and origin of Meredith

Meredith comes from the Welsh name Maredudd, an old masculine name borne by several medieval Welsh princes. Its second part is usually linked to udd, 'lord', while the first is debated, explained either as 'great' or as related to môr, 'sea'. In Wales it is still used for boys, but in the United States it became mainly a girls' name in the twentieth century. TV characters such as Meredith Grey have kept it familiar.

Is Meredith a religious name?

Meredith has no particular religious background; it is a historic Welsh name.

How popular is Meredith?

Most used for girls in the United States from the 1950s to 1990s; less common today.

Gifts with the name Meredith

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Spellings and variants of Meredith

MareduddMeridithMeridethMeredydd

Names similar to Meredith

GwendolynMorganRhiannonBronwen

More girl names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Meredith mean?

Meredith means 'Great lord; possibly sea lord'. It is of Welsh origin.

Does Meredith have a religious meaning?

Meredith has no particular religious background; it is a historic Welsh name.

How do you pronounce Meredith?

Meredith is pronounced MER-uh-dith.

Is Meredith a boy or girl name?

Meredith is usually a girl name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.