Meredith

Origin

Welsh origin, from the Old Welsh name 'Maredudd', composed of the elements 'maer' meaning 'fame' or 'great' and 'udd' meaning 'lord' or 'ruler'. The name was popularised in medieval Wales and later adopted in English-speaking countries, including Australia. It is not of Aboriginal or Māori origin.

Meaning

Famous counsellor or renowned ruler — in the Australian context, it is often associated with qualities of leadership, intellect, and dignity. The name connotes a sense of prestige and well-respected heritage.

Pronunciation

/ˈmɛrɪdɪθ/ (MER-i-dith), with emphasis on the first syllable, typical of Australian English pronunciation, where the 'th' is pronounced as in 'the'. See also: /ˈmɛrɪð/ for a more traditional or British pronunciation.

Variants & Nicknames

Name Days

• 11 June (All Saints' Day – Commonwealth and Anglican tradition)
• Mid-June (commemorative date varies in different calendars)
• Not widely associated with specific Australian indigenous or religious celebrations, but may be observed as a personal or family 'Name Day' in cultural settings.

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with meredith:

• Charlotte and Meredith
• Liam and Meredith
• Avery and Meredith

Fun Facts

• Meredith is a name used for both males and females in Australia, though now predominantly female.
• Australian singer and actress Meredith Fletcher helped popularise the name in Australian media.
• The name appears in Australian literature and music, symbolising elegance and strength.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name meredith:

• Elegant
• Intelligent
• Leadership qualities
• Refined
• Artistic

Aesthetic Qualities

The name has a classic, sophisticated appearance with a balanced spelling and phonetic simplicity, facilitating ease of use in Australian English manuscript and oral communication.

Geographical Distribution

More prevalent in urban and southeastern regions such as Sydney and Melbourne, with slightly lower usage in rural Queensland and Western Australia, reflecting migration and cultural influences.

Numerological Significance

Name number 7 – associated with introspection, spirituality, and analytical thinking. Conveys a personality inclined towards thoughtfulness and innovation.

Astrological Connections

Potentially linked to the zodiac sign Virgo or Aquarius, indicative of a meticulous, inventive, and progressive character, aligning with the qualities associated with the name.

Historical Context

The name Meredith experienced peaks of popularity in Australian schools during the 1960s and 1970s, partly inspired by cultural figures such as the Australian rugby player Meredith Brookes or literary references. The name is associated with a cultivated, artistic, and intellectual image in Australian society.

Linguistic Adaptability

The name adapts well across English-speaking countries. Slight variations in spelling or pronunciation may appear, but the core form remains recognisable.

Famous People Named meredith

• Meredith Arnold (Australian author)
• Meredith Brookes (Australian rugby player)
• Meredith Grey (Fictional character from 'Grey's Anatomy' — popularised globally, including Australia)

Popularity in Australia