Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Meaghan is an Irish name meaning 'servant of Mary.' It has evolved from 'Maolmhuire' and 'Muirgheal' to its current form. The name embodies traits of cultural significance and femininity. There is no direct biblical relevance, and it has seen a rise in popularity in the 20th century. Variants include Megan and Meghan.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈmeɪɡən/
Origin
Irish
Etymology
Meaghan is derived from the Irish name 'Maolmhuire,' which means 'servant of Mary.' It is a feminine form of the name 'Moe,' which is a diminutive of Muirgheal.
Meaning
servant of Mary
Language Evolution
Maolmhuire, Muirgheal, Meaghan
Historical Usage
Meaghan gained popularity in the 20th century, particularly in English-speaking countries, as a modern variation of traditional Irish names.
Variants & Derivatives
Megan, Meghan, Maegan
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Meaghan is perceived as a contemporary and feminine name that carries a sense of cultural heritage. It is often associated with strength and independence.
Famous People
Meaghan Jette Martin, Meaghan Rath, Meaghan Mooney
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Moderately Popular name with 744 peak births in 1986
Geographic Spread
Popular across 41 US states, with strongest presence in Massachusetts
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 6 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (13 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 13 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 15172nd of 16616 | 7 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 6870th of 12526 | 53 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 1197th of 19264 | 1,548 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 426th of 27321 | 9,200 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 1185th of 35406 | 3,113 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 9797th of 30306 | 122 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - |
64.02% 3325th/5194 |
- |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- |
100.00% 2430th/2430 |
- | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
38.51% 1131st/2937 |
18.81% 655th/3483 |
49.03% 1725th/3518 |
38.01% 1537th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
13.19% 486th/3685 |
4.42% 198th/4475 |
10.61% 551st/5194 |
11.14% 704th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
27.04% 1239th/4582 |
11.02% 569th/5164 |
19.81% 1449th/7313 |
25.22% 1882nd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- |
100.00% 4487th/4487 |
100.00% 6822nd/6822 |
- |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Massachusetts across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Millennials (Gen Y) generation in the Northeast region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 15172nd out of 16616 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 6870th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1197th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 426th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 1185th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 9797th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.