"sea-born, born of the sea"
Origin: Welsh
Language: Welsh
Morgan
Pronunciation: [ m-AWRG-uhn ]
Does Morgan flow with your last name?
From Welsh kings to Arthurian sorcery — a name of power
Welsh
English
American
Irish
Classic
Strong
Literary
Earthy
Vintage
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"great brightness, sea circle"
Origin: Celtic
Language: Welsh
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Things to Know About This Name
- Has become predominantly used as a girl's name in the US since the 1980s, so male Morgan may face gender confusion in American contexts
The Story of Morgan
Morgan is a Welsh name of ancient Celtic origin, derived from mor (sea) and cant (circle, completion) or gen (born of, bright). It was historically a masculine name in Wales — Morgannwg (old name for Glamorgan) means Morgan's territory. The legendary Morgan le Fay of Arthurian mythology brought feminine associations from the medieval period, but in Wales it remained predominantly male for centuries.
Morgan was primarily a male name until the 1970s-80s when it began crossing over to girls in the United States. By the 1990s it was predominantly female in America. Today, male Morgan is most common in Wales, Ireland, and among families with Welsh or Celtic heritage.
Morgan le Fay is one of the most complex figures in Arthurian legend — alternately portrayed as a villain, a healer, and a powerful enchantress who escorts the dying King Arthur to Avalon. In Wales, the name is tied to Morgan ap Athrwys, a 7th-century king.
Historical Record
Morgan first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 39,161 babies have been named Morgan in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Morgan is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #532 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Morgan le Fay appears in works from the 12th century to modern Marvel comics
- Morgan is still a top-20 boys name in Wales today
- The Morgan horse, one of America's oldest horse breeds, was named after its owner Justin Morgan
Morgan in Other Languages
Irish
Muirgheal
Welsh
Morcant
Breton
Morvan
French
Morgane
Popularity Over Time
#532
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Morgan
M
Morgan Freeman
Actor
1937
Academy Award-winning American actor known for The Shawshank Redemption, Million Dollar Baby, and his distinctive narrat...
Academy Award-winning American actor known for The Shawshank Redemption, Million Dollar Baby, and his distinctive narrating voice
J
J.P. Morgan
Business
1837
American financier and banker who dominated corporate finance in the Gilded Age and reorganized major railroads
M
Morgan le Fay Fictional
Other
Powerful enchantress and half-sister of King Arthur in Arthurian legend, who escorts the dying Arthur to the isle of Ava...
Powerful enchantress and half-sister of King Arthur in Arthurian legend, who escorts the dying Arthur to the isle of Avalon
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #532
- Total SSA Count
- 560
- Cultural Origins
- Welsh English American Irish
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Morgs
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Morgan
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Morgan is also used as a girl name, ranked #276.
View Morgan as a girl name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (Welsh)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Morgan
What does the name Morgan mean?
"sea-born, born of the sea" (from Welsh). "great brightness, sea circle" (from Celtic). Morgan is a Welsh name of ancient Celtic origin, derived from mor (sea) and cant (circle, completion) or gen (born of, bright). It was historically a masculine name in Wales — Morgannwg (old name for Glamorgan) means Morgan's territory. The legendary Morgan le Fay of Arthurian mythology brought feminine associations from the medieval period, but in Wales it remained predominantly male for centuries.
What is the origin of the name Morgan?
Morgan has Welsh, Celtic, English, American, and Irish origins. In Welsh, it means "sea-born, born of the sea". In Celtic, it means "great brightness, sea circle".
Is Morgan a boy or girl name?
Morgan is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #532. As a girl name, it is ranked #276. Morgan is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Morgan?
Morgan is pronounced m-AWRG-uhn.
How popular is the name Morgan?
Morgan is currently ranked #532 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Morgan?
Common nicknames for Morgan include Morgs.
What are good middle names for Morgan?
Popular middle name pairings include Morgan James, Morgan Lee, Morgan Allen, Morgan Blake, Morgan Reed, Morgan Cole, and Morgan Grant.
What are good sibling names for Morgan?
Names that pair well with Morgan as siblings include Dylan, Rhys, Gwen, Brynn, Evan, Meredith, and Owen.
How many syllables does Morgan have?
Morgan has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Morgan a common or rare name?
Morgan is moderately common, ranked #532 for boys in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
About the Name Morgan
Morgan is a boy name with Welsh, English, American, and Irish origins . The name means "sea-born, born of the sea" in Welsh .
Is Morgan a boy or girl name? Morgan is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #532 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #276. Morgan is more commonly used as a girl name.
Morgan is currently ranked #532 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Morgan has 2 syllables and is pronounced m-AWRG-uhn, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Morgan include Morgs. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis