US Popularity Rank: 1018

Origin: Welsh

Meaning: Great ruler; Protector of the sea

Meredith is a gender-neutral name with Welsh origins. The name Meredith means “great ruler” or "protector of the sea," which is a fabulous definition should you wish your baby to become a shining example as they grow. In recent decades, Meredith has been considered more of a girl’s name but prior to the 1950s, it was often used for boys. The Welsh pronunciation of the word puts emphasis on the second syllable which gives the cute nickname of Reddy. English and US pronunciations often mean that Meredith’s get known as Merry or Merri.