Meaghan

 Meaghan, Meghan, Meagan, etc. are all spelling variations of Megan, a Welsh diminutive of Meg, itself a pet form of Margaret.  The English Margaret was ultimately borrowed from the Greek μαργαριτης (margarites) by way of the Latin Margarita meaning “pearl.” Therefore, as a diminutive name, Meaghan means “little pearl.”  Popular since the Middle Ages, Margaret is one of the most successful female names on historic record, and one which has spawned scores of linguistic variations, pet forms and diminutives.  Influenced by the cult of St. Margaret of Antioch, such “saintly” names were bestowed upon medieval babies as a protective measure.  St. Margaret was born in Antioch (present day Turkey) in the late 3rd century. She was chastised by her father for her Christian beliefs and had the audacity to rebuff a marriage proposal from a powerful Roman governor because this offer came with a demand: renunciation of her faith. She refused. As a result, Margaret was tortured and beheaded. Her legend and cult spread in the Middle Ages which served to popularize her name. One story told of her being swallowed by a dragon, but because she had been carrying the cross of Jesus, the dragon spit her out having been irritated by the cross (an ancient form of indigestion perhaps). This particular legend was a favorite subject among medieval artists which bolstered the awareness (and popularity) of her name. St. Margaret is also the patron saint of expectant mothers.  Incidentally, Marguerite is the French word for the “daisy flower” often associated with the Sanskrit मञ्यरी (manjari) meaning “cluster of flowers” most likely a cognate of manju meaning “lovely, beautiful.”  In any case, it’s no surprise to see why such a lovely name perpetuated and developed into all sorts of nicknames.  These include, but are not limited to: Maggie, Madge, Marge, Meg, Megan, Greta, Gretchen, Margot, May, Molly, Peggy, Peg and even Daisy. Meaghan just happens to be a more elaborate spelling on the simple Welsh Megan.