Meadow

Meadow is the English vocabulary word describing a grassy field used primarily for the production of hay (fields where livestock graze are typically referred to as pastures). Meadows are either naturally occurring or they are artificially created for agricultural purposes via the removal of woodlands. The word “meadow” comes from the Olde English “mædwe” meaning “a mown field” from the root element “me-“ meaning “to mow, cut down” – mainly because meadows in England were mowed annually for hay production. When most of us think of a meadow we picture a flat field with abundant wildflowers – some place peaceful and beautiful. As a female given name Meadow came to the forefront during the 1960s counterculture movement when names like Rainbow, Summer, Sky and Echo became fashionable among the hippie crowd. Meadow would also be considered a “nature” name along with flowers, trees and plants. Rivers, brooks, savannahs and meadows – these are all nature-inspired features of our landscapes that bring us sense of connectivity. As a female given name Meadow is used primarily in North America and Australia.