Meredith is a feminine given name of Welsh origin. It is derived from the Welsh name Meredydd, which is composed of the elements mer meaning "great" or "sea," and iudd meaning "lord." Thus, Meredith means "great lord." The name has been in use in Wales for centuries and was popularized in England during the Victorian era. Today, it remains a popular choice among parents seeking unique yet timeless names for their daughters.
Based on the provided statistics, the popularity of the name Meredith has shown significant fluctuations over time in the United States.
From 1895 to around 1940, the number of babies named Meredith remained relatively low, ranging from a single-digit figure (6 births in 1895) to slightly over one hundred (194 births in both 1938 and 1939). However, starting from the late 1940s, there was a notable increase in the number of Meredith births. In 1947, for instance, there were 346 Meredith births, more than double the number recorded just two years prior.
The peak in popularity for the name Meredith occurred between the late 1960s and early 1970s. The highest single-year total was reached in 1977 with 1766 births. This trend continued until around 1982, after which there was a steady decline.
From 1983 onwards, the number of Meredith births consistently decreased, reaching an all-time low in recent years. In 2020 and 2021, there were only 499 and 533 Meredith births respectively, indicating that the name has fallen out of favor among parents compared to its peak decades ago.
However, it is worth noting that even with this decline, the number of Meredith births remains higher than the early figures from over a century ago. This suggests that while the popularity of the name has waned in recent years, it still holds some enduring appeal for American parents.
In conclusion, the statistics demonstrate that the name Meredith has experienced periods of fluctuating popularity in the United States, with its highest peak occurring around four decades ago and a notable decline in recent years. Nevertheless, even at its lowest points, the name remains more popular than it was over 100 years ago.