Meghan
Meghan is a girl's name of Welsh origin.
Meaning
Pearl.
Origin and history
Meghan is a Welsh name that originated as a diminutive of Margaret, ultimately deriving from the Greek word for pearl. It became widely popular in the United States during the late 20th century, though its usage has moderated in recent years. Today, it remains a classic, recognizable name with strong ties to its Celtic roots.
Popularity in the United States
96,500 babies in the United States have been named Meghan since 1880. It ranks #389 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1073.
States where it is most popular
- NY (10 %)
- CA (7.4 %)
- MA (6.8 %)
- PA (6.7 %)
- IL (5.6 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 0 |
| 1900-1910 | 0 |
| 1910-1920 | 0 |
| 1920-1930 | 0 |
| 1930-1940 | 0 |
| 1940-1950 | 0 |
| 1950-1960 | 102 |
| 1960-1970 | 958 |
| 1970-1980 | 9,358 |
| 1980-1990 | 36,206 |
| 1990-2000 | 31,500 |
| 2000-2010 | 14,085 |
| 2010-2019 | 3,045 |
| 2020-2029 | 1,246 |
Famous people named Meghan
- Meghan Markle: Actress, Duchess of Sussex
- Meghan Trainor: Singer, Songwriter
- Meghan McCain: TV Host, Author
Nicknames
Meg, Megs, Meggie
Fun facts
- Meghan developed in Wales as a affectionate pet form of Megan and Margaret.
- The spelling Meghan gained substantial traction in the United States during the 1980s and 1990s.