Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Meggan is a Welsh name that means 'pearl,' stemming from the Greek 'margaritēs.' It evolved from Margaret through the diminutive Megan. The name gained popularity in the late 20th century and is viewed as modern and friendly. There are notable individuals with this name, but it does not have a biblical background.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈmɛɡən/
Origin
Welsh
Etymology
Meggan is a variant of the name Megan, which is a diminutive of the name Margaret, derived from the Greek word 'margaritēs' meaning 'pearl.'
Meaning
pearl
Language Evolution
Margaret (Latin), Margarita (Greek), Megan (Welsh), Meggan (Modern variant)
Historical Usage
The name became popular in the late 20th century, particularly in English-speaking countries, as a modern variant of Megan.
Variants & Derivatives
Megan, Meg, Maggie
Modern Popularity & Image
Meggan is perceived as a contemporary and friendly name, often associated with warmth and approachability.
Famous People
Meggan McCarthy (American actress), Meggan Haller (American swimmer)
📊 Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 185 peak births in 1985
Geographic Spread
Popular across 28 US states, with strongest presence in Iowa
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 5 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 10657th of 12526 | 11 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 1642nd of 19264 | 948 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 1426th of 27321 | 1,667 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 6515th of 35406 | 292 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 27343rd of 30306 | 9 |
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) |
- | - | - | - |
| 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) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
37.11% 1090th/2937 |
45.22% 1575th/3483 |
83.97% 2954th/3518 |
50.20% 2030th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
29.72% 1095th/3685 |
43.51% 1947th/4475 |
33.10% 1719th/5194 |
28.91% 1826th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
100.00% 4582nd/4582 |
- |
100.00% 7313th/7313 |
87.11% 6501st/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
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 Iowa across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Millennials (Gen Y) generation in the MidWest region. 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 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 female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 10657th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1642nd out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 1426th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 6515th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 27343rd out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.