Surname Merideth - Meaning and Origin
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Merideth: What does the surname Merideth mean?
The surname Merideth is of Welsh origin and it was originally an old Welsh personal name. It is derived from two Welsh words - "mawr" meaning "great" and "rhydd" meaning "free" or "freedom". So, Merideth can be understood as "great freedom." The name was traditionally given to males but later it was also used as a female name. There are several variants of the surname including Meredith, Meredyth, and Meridith. It is a patronymic surname, meaning it was originally derived from the father's given name. The name became popular in the English-speaking world in the 19th century. As a surname, people bearing it are widely found in Wales and England. It is also common among people of Welsh descent in other parts of the world such as the United States and Australia.
Order DNA origin analysisMerideth: Where does the name Merideth come from?
The surname Merideth is of Welsh origin. It comes from the Old Welsh personal name "Maredudd" or "Meredyth," which consists of elements translating as "great," "lord," or "sea," and "lord" or "ruler." Over time, it has been Anglicized into various forms like Meredith, Merideth, Meredyth, and Merriday.
As for its prevalence today, the surname Merideth, like its variant Meredith, is found most commonly in English-speaking countries. In particular, it is most widespread in the United States, especially in the southern states. The name can also be found in the United Kingdom (namely, in Wales due to its origin), Australia, and Canada. However, it is essential to note that genealogical mobility and migration patterns over the centuries can mean these surnames can be found in many places worldwide. The precise distribution can also vary depending upon the particular spelling variant of the surname.
Variations of the surname Merideth
The surname Merideth is believed to have originated from Wales. Its exact origin is a little uncertain, but it is thought that it may be a compound of the Old Welsh words "mari" or "meri," meaning 'great,' and "du," meaning 'black' and it commonly was a first name for males and then gradually used as a last name.
There are several spellings and variations of the name Merideth. Some of the most common spellings include Meredith, Meridith, Merridith, and Meredeth. Meradith and Meredyth are also versions of the name. Apart from these, there are surnames like Meridith, Meredeth, Meredydd and Merredith which are less common but are of the same origin. Despite the changes in spelling, the pronunciation of these variations tends to be quite similar.
In terms of geographical variations, in Wales, the names Meredith or Meredydd are most commonly used, while in English-speaking countries like the United States, variants like Merideth and Meridith are more commonly found. Despite the variations in spelling, all these versions of the name share the same Welsh origin.
Famous people with the name Merideth
- Ryan Merideth: professional mixed martial artist.
- Larry Merideth: former United States Navy sailor who received the Medal of Honor.
- Riley Merideth: professional baseball infielder in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization.
- Tony Merideth: actor, writer, director, and producer who has appeared in films, television shows, and video games.
- Buster Merideth: retired professional baseball player who played for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
- Jack Merideth: American professional wrestler who made appearances in various organizations.
- Patrick Merideth: actor and producer known for his roles in television and film.
- Helen Merideth: British actress and singer best known for her performance in the film 'Mary Poppins'.
- Dorothy Merideth: iconic US vocalist who fronted bands like 'Louisiana Rhythm Kings' and 'MeridethMorrow'.
- Shan Merideth: former US college basketball player who led his team to numerous conference championships.