By Editorial Team / October 1, 2026
Meadow is an evocative, tranquil feminine name of Old English origin meaning “field of grass” or “grassy pasture.” Cherished for its peaceful imagery, soft phonetic flow, and connection to lush landscapes, Meadow stands out as a premiere pastoral choice. It seamlessly balances bohemian charm with a polished, modern sensibility.
Meadow Name Meaning at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
| Name | Meadow |
| Gender | Girl (Feminine) |
| Origin | Old English |
| Meaning | Field of Grass / Grassy Pasture / Vegetation |
| Pronunciation | MED-oh (/ˈmɛd.oʊ/) |
| Syllables | 2 |
| US Popularity Rank | Top 400 (Steadily Rising) |
| Related Names | Willow, River, Autumn, Clover, Daisy, Summer |
| Common Nicknames | Meddy, Mae, Mie, Dowie, Em |
How Popular Is The Name Meadow? (Popularity Context)
The Bump & Global Ranking
- Overall: Meadow has established a firm place in modern baby naming charts, appealing to parents looking for gentle, multi-syllable nature names that feel both cozy and expansive.
- Gender Distribution: Predominantly feminine, loved for its warm vowel endings and serene, grounded imagery.
U.S. Births & Trends
- Trend Analysis: Meadow made its first major leap into mainstream awareness during the late 1990s, boosted by pop culture references. It has maintained a steady climb throughout the 2010s and 2020s as modern parents embrace pastoral and eco-inspired choices.
- Yearly Ranking Change: Moved upward across birth registries in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia between 2020 and 2026.
U.S. Name Rank Trend (2020–2026)
- 2020: #510
- 2022: #460
- 2024: #410
- 2025: #380
- 2026: #350
What Does the Name Meadow Mean?
The name Meadow carries rich agricultural, ecological, and symbolic significance:
- Old English Etymology: Derived from the Old English word mædwe (inflected form of mæd), meaning a field of grass used for grazing or growing hay.
- Symbol of Peace and Harmony: In literature and landscape aesthetics, a meadow represents open space, undisturbed tranquility, sunlight, and organic growth. It evokes images of wildflowers, gentle breezes, and natural abundance.
- Pastoral Poetics: Historically used in romantic literature to symbolize sanctuary, quiet reflection, and a return to simpler, unhurried living.
Combined, Meadow represents “tranquility, natural beauty, abundance, and inner peace,” making it a meaningful choice for parents seeking an organic identity with positive, calming energy.
Meadow Name Origin
Meadow entered the English language as a topographical noun describing flat, grassy countryside terrain. In medieval Britain, people living near or tending to open fields often adopted topographical surnames, though Meadow remained primarily a vocabulary term until the late 20th century.
It transitioned into a given first name during the modern revival of nature-inspired naming conventions. Unlike historic floral names like Rose or Violet, Meadow offers an expansive, landscape-focused perspective that feels fresh, open, and contemporary.
Is Meadow a Biblical Name?
While the precise English word Meadow does not appear as a personal name in ancient scripture, pastoral landscapes and lush pastures hold deep symbolic meaning across sacred texts:
- Green Pastures of Peace: The image of open, grassy fields is central to Psalm 23:2 (“He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters”), representing divine guidance, restoration, and soul rest.
- Flourishing Land: Throughout biblical poetry, blooming fields represent seasonal blessing, spiritual renewal, and fruitfulness.
How Do You Pronounce Meadow?
Meadow is pronounced:
MED-oh
- Phonetic spelling:
/ˈmɛd.oʊ/ - Syllable count: 2 syllables
- Emphasis: Placed on the first syllable (MED)
Pronunciation Variations
- American / Canadian:
MED-oh - British / Australian:
MED-ow(slightly softer, rounded ending)
Common Nicknames for Meadow
- Mae / May — A classic, vintage shorthand
- Meddy — A sweet, cozy diminutive for early childhood
- Dowie — A whimsical, playful family nickname
- Em — A simple phonetic short form inspired by the initial letter ‘M’
Meadow Name Variations
- Madow — Rare phonetic spelling variant
- Mead — Monosyllabic root form meaning “meadow” or “honey drink”
- Meada — Latinate elaboration ending in ‘a’
- Meadow-Rose — Popular hyphenated compound name
Famous People Named Meadow
- Meadow Walker: American model, philanthropist, and founder of the Paul Walker Foundation.
- Meadow Sisto: American actress known for her roles in film and television (Captain Ron).
- Meadow Rain: Modern visual artist and environmental advocate.
Meadow in Pop Culture
- Television: Meadow Soprano, played by Jamie-Lynn Sigler, is a central character in HBO’s acclaimed series The Sopranos, bringing the name into widespread pop-culture recognition in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
- Animation & Games: Frequently used in modern storybooks, cozy life-simulation games, and animated media to represent gentle, nature-loving characters.
Personality Traits Associated with the Name Meadow
In name symbolism and numerology, landscape-inspired names like Meadow are associated with warmth and emotional balance:
- Grounded Harmony: Associated with an easygoing, balanced personality that brings calm to social surroundings.
- Creative Sensitivity: Evokes an appreciation for art, nature, music, and quiet reflection.
- Openness & Generosity: Reflects an open, welcoming nature that values genuine connections and empathy.
Parents Who Like the Name Meadow Also Like:
- Willow
- Autumn
- River
- Clover
- Daisy
- Summer
- Hazel
- Juniper
Names Like Meadow
Pastoral & Nature-Inspired Names
- Willow
- Autumn
- Savannah
- Prairie
- Sierra
Soft Two-Syllable Classics
- Hazel
- Clover
- Ruby
- Piper
- Iris
Choosing a Middle Name for Meadow
Because Meadow is a soft, two-syllable name ending in an open vowel sound, it pairs exceptionally well with crisp single-syllable or structured three-syllable middle names:
Middle Name Ideas
- Meadow Jane
- Meadow Grace
- Meadow Claire
- Meadow Elizabeth
- Meadow Rose
- Meadow Louise
- Meadow Evangeline
- Meadow Pearl
Naming a Sibling for Meadow?
Sister Names for Meadow
- Willow
- Autumn
- Daisy
- Clover
- Iris
Brother Names for Meadow
- River
- Jasper
- August
- Rowan
- Silas
Baby Name Lists Including Meadow
- Top Pastoral & Earthy Girl Names
- Gentle 2-Syllable Nature Names
- Modern Bohemian Names for Girls
- Relaxing Names Inspired by Landscapes
Frequently Asked Questions About Meadow
What does the name Meadow mean?
Meadow is an Old English name meaning “field of grass” or “grassy pasture.” It symbolizes peace, natural growth, and open landscape.
Is Meadow a popular baby name in 2026?
Yes, Meadow sits comfortably in the U.S. Top 400 and continues a steady upward trend as parents seek peaceful, nature-inspired names.
What is the origin of the name Meadow?
Meadow originates from Old English (mædwe), developing from a word describing open countryside pastures into a given name.
How do you pronounce Meadow?
It is pronounced MED-oh (/ˈmɛd.oʊ/), with primary stress on the first syllable (MED).