Meginhard is an Old German name composed of the elements megin "power, strength" and hart "hard, firm, brave, hardy". It is a classic dithermatic (two-element) Germanic name, typical of the early medieval period when martial virtues such as physical power and courage were highly prized. The name thus conveys the meaning "strong and hardy" or "mighty and brave".
The most notable bearer is Saint Meginhard (also known as Meinhard), a 12th-century Augustinian canon who became the first Bishop of Livonia (present-day Latvia and Estonia). Born in Germany, he was sent as a missionary to the pagan Livonians and is credited with founding the Christian Church in that region. He was canonized for his efforts, and his feast day is celebrated on August 14. Over time, the name developed variant forms in various Germanic languages: Meinhard became common in German, while Meindert and Meinard emerged in Dutch. These alternatives reflect regional phonetic changes and spelling conventions, but all stem from the same root elements.
Today, Meginhard is considered archaic and is rarely used as a given name, largely confined to historical or saintly contexts. Its modern cognates, such as Meinhard, are similarly uncommon. The name shows the pattern of Germanic name formation and the transmission of onomastic traditions through medieval Christianization, as the saint's prestige helped preserve it in religious history.
- Meaning: "power-hardy" (from Old German megin and hart)
- Origin: Germanic
- Type: first name
- Usage: historical Germanic regions; also Latinized forms in church records