Surname Merredith - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
Merredith: What does the surname Merredith mean?
The last name Merredith is a variant of the Welsh surname Meredith. This name has its origins from two Welsh words – "mór" or "mawr" which means "great" and "rhydd" implying "lord" or "ruler". Thus, collectively, Merredith, or Meredith, could mean the 'great lord' or 'great ruler'. The name could possibly be referred to as a title of respect or admiration for the person's leadership or mastery. It is also considered to be possibly gender-neutral and is used both as a first name as well as a last name. It is also worth noting that Welsh surnames are relatively few in number, and they have greatly contributed to the pool of general English surnames. It's important to keep in mind that the exact origins and meanings of surnames can be difficult to pinpoint as they have evolved over centuries and have been influenced by various factors including regional dialects, foreign invasions, and more.
Order DNA origin analysisMerredith: Where does the name Merredith come from?
The surname Merredith is of Welsh origin. It was first derived from the old Welsh personal names Meredydd and Maredudd, with elements "mór" implying great and "udd" implying lord, hence “great lord.” It has evolved over time into many variations such as Meredit, Meridith, Merridith, and the most commonly used, Meredith. Not only used as a surname, it has also become popular as a first name for both men and women.
The surname spread throughout the world with the expansion of the British Empire, although it is still most common in Wales and England. In the 21st century, it continues to prevail in these regions and other English-speaking nations such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand due to historical immigration patterns. Notably in the United States, it has been further popularised by television characters such as "Meredith Grey" in the show Grey's Anatomy. However, the surname's exact spelling of "Merredith" is less common. It would be more prevalent in UK and countries with strong historical links to the UK.
Variations of the surname Merredith
The surname Merredith originates from the Welsh name Maredudd or Meredydd, traditionally a first name. Over time and due to differences in regional dialects, cultural variations, translations, and spelling errors, various versions, spellings, and surnames of the same origin have arisen.
Variations include Meredith, Merredith, Merridith, Meridith, Merideth, Merrideth, Merideth and Merradith. In some cases, it can also be translated or misspelled as Meredyth, Meradith, Meredyth, Merradith, or even Merrith. Sometimes, the name also appears with an additional 's' or 't' as in Merrediths or Merreditht.
Names sharing the same or similar ethnolinguistic origins have also been derived from Merredith. These include Maredudd, Maredydd, Merridy, Merydyth, and Mered. It is also significant that these variants have been used both as first names and surnames.
Thus, the surnames of the same origin are varied and offer an insight into the forms that the name Merredith has taken over the centuries and across different cultures. They reflect the rich linguistic and cultural backgrounds they are derived from and how they have evolved over time.
Famous people with the name Merredith
- Grey's Anatomy actor Ellen Pompeo, who plays Meredith Grey, protagonist of the show
- Chris Meredith, actor, best known as Derek Straits on NCIS
- William Merredith, Pulitzer Prize winning Poet
- Robin Merredith, actress best known for roles in Star Trek: Discovery and Once and Again
- Jonathan Merredith, domestic cricketer from New South Wales
- Justin Merredith, American football wide receiver
- Chris Merredith, major league baseball player for the Los Angeles Angels
- Bill Merredith, Australian rules football player
- James Merredith, Civil Rights Activist
- Enid Merredith, 19th century actress and theatre manager