Names/Meridith/Meredith Baxter
EntertainmentAmerican1947 – present

Meredith Baxter

Actress, 'Family Ties,' Emmy-nominated performer

Biography

Meredith Ann Baxter (born June 21, 1947) is an American actress and television producer who gained widespread recognition for her iconic role as Elyse Keaton, the intelligent and witty mother on the popular NBC sitcom 'Family Ties,' which aired from 1982 to 1989. Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, Baxter built a prolific career spanning several decades in television, film, and theater. Beyond 'Family Ties,' she appeared in numerous television movies and series, demonstrating her range as a performer. She received multiple Emmy nominations throughout her career and became a respected figure in Hollywood. Later in life, Baxter became an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights after publicly revealing her own identity. Her contributions to television comedy helped define the 1980s and she remains a beloved figure to audiences who grew up watching the show.

The Name Meridith

Meredith is a Welsh name meaning 'great ruler,' and its association with successful, intelligent female characters like Elyse Keaton has contributed to its popularity among parents seeking names with strength and grace.

Quick Facts
Category

Entertainment

Nationality

American

Born

1947

Thinking about the name

Meridith

Welsh origin

An alternate spelling of Meredith, Meridith preserves the Welsh roots meaning 'great ruler' while offering contemporary phonetic clarity. This spelling variation appeals to parents wanting the classic name's substance with a fresh orthographic identity. It maintains historical gravitas while feeling current.