Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Meghan

Meghan is a modern English variation of the Welsh name Megan which developed in Wales as the diminutive of Meg. Meg, in turn, is the Scottish pet form of Margaret which ultimately comes from a Hebrew word meaning “pearl” (margaron). Both Meg and Megan evolved as independently given names in Scotland and Wales, respectively. Megan expanded beyond the borders of Wales into England, Ireland, Scotland and the rest of the English-speaking nations. Meghan and Meagan are variations of Megan. Margaret was one of the most popular girl’s names throughout medieval Europe, influenced in large part by a few early saints (Margaret of Antioch and St. Margaret of Scotland). As a result of the name’s wide usage, more nicknames, pet names, nursery forms, short forms and cognates developed from the name Margaret – perhaps more so than any other name. Meghan is just one more example of this (for more information, see the name Margaret).

All About the Baby Name – Meghan

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME MEGHAN

The Three energy is powerful and enthusiastic. These personalities are cheerful, full of self-expression, and often quite emotional. They have an artistic flair and "gift-of-gab" that makes them natural entertainers. Their joyfulness bubbles over, and their infectious exuberance draws a crowd. The Three personality is like a child - forever young and full of delight. They are charming, witty, and generally happy people. The Three personality lives in the "now" and has a spontaneous nature. Threes seem to live with a bright and seemingly unbreakable aura that attracts others to them. In turn, they are deeply loyal and loving to their friends and family. Luck also has a tendency to favor number Threes.

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME MEGHAN

The spelling of Meghan first appeared on the American naming charts in 1966; by 1983, this name became a Top 100 favorite in the United States. The height of Meghan’s popularity was in the year 1985 when she hit position #66 on the charts. Since the 21st century, however, Meghan has quickly gone out of style and is now used pretty rarely. The simpler and more traditional spelling of Megan remains much more common. In fact, Meg and Meagan have dropped from the charts altogether. Whether it’s pronounced MEE-gin or MAY-ghan, Megan/Meghan are darling names with Celtic flavor. Megan (the spelling without the “h”) was an ϋber-popular choice for girls in the 1980s and 90s but has now settled down to levels of moderate usage. Meghan is a much less common spelling of this name which might attract parents looking for a different twist to a familiar name. While Margaret is an age-old perennial favorite, Meghan is a more modern, casual and friendly variation (thanks to the Celtic/Welsh spin). Not every oyster produces a “pearl” but we consider Meghan a little gem of a name.

Quick Facts

ON MEGHAN

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

English

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

886

PRONUNCIATION:

MEG-ən

SIMPLE MEANING:

Pearl

Characteristics

OF MEGHAN

Communicative

Creative

Optimistic

Popular

Social

Dramatic

Happy

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Meghan

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME MEGHAN

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Meghan

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME MEGHAN

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Meghan


Popular Songs

ON MEGHAN

Meghan Again
a song by Tokyo Rose

Famous People

NAMED MEGHAN

Meghann Shaughnessy (tennis player)

Children of Famous People

NAMED MEGHAN

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Meghan

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME MEGHAN

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Meghan