Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Meghan has Welsh origins and is a diminutive of Margaret, meaning 'pearl' and associated with strength. It has evolved through forms like Margaret and Meg. It gained significant popularity in the late 20th century and is currently viewed as a modern and elegant name, with no direct biblical relevance.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈmɛɡən/
Origin
Welsh
Etymology
The name Meghan is a diminutive form of Margaret, which originates from the Greek word 'margaritēs' meaning 'pearl'. In Welsh, it is often associated with the word 'maegen' meaning 'strong' or 'great'.
Meaning
pearl, strong, great
Language Evolution
Margaret, Meg, Meghan
Historical Usage
Meghan gained popularity in the 20th century, particularly in English-speaking countries, and saw a significant rise in usage during the 1980s and 1990s.
Variants & Derivatives
Meg, Megan, Meghann
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Meghan is perceived as a modern and trendy name, often associated with elegance and strength, especially following the popularity of public figures bearing the name.
Famous People
Meghan Markle (actress and Duchess of Sussex), Meghan Trainor (singer-songwriter)
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 4,683 peak births in 1985
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in New Hampshire
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 8 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (2 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 2 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 5593rd of 10718 | 51 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 4624th of 16616 | 162 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 19137th of 24088 | 14 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 2549th of 12526 | 374 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 317th of 19264 | 12,737 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 88th of 27321 | 56,873 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 224th of 35406 | 23,421 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 1054th of 30306 | 2,993 |
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) |
- | - |
50.79% 2638th/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% 2227th/2227 |
55.76% 1355th/2430 |
- |
65.91% 1829th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
9.98% 293rd/2937 |
5.20% 181st/3483 |
15.26% 537th/3518 |
9.42% 381st/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
2.25% 83rd/3685 |
1.16% 52nd/4475 |
2.21% 115th/5194 |
2.18% 138th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
4.23% 194th/4582 |
2.21% 114th/5164 |
3.94% 288th/7313 |
5.41% 404th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
36.32% 1447th/3984 |
15.13% 679th/4487 |
14.10% 962nd/6822 |
20.47% 1285th/6276 |
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 New Hampshire 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 declining in usage, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been gradually declining. From 2020-2022, usage has been falling for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, falling for female in South, falling for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been falling for female in MidWest, falling for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, falling for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 5593rd out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 4624th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 19137th out of 24088 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 2549th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 317th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 88th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 224th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 1054th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.