"pearl"
Origin: Welsh via Latin/Greek
Language: Welsh
Maghan
Maghan is a girl name of Welsh via Latin/Greek origin meaning "pearl." Ranked #60,751 in the US, popular nicknames include Meg and Maggie.
A pearl of Celtic heritage with modern ease
Welsh
English
Celtic
Classic
Friendly
Celtic
Informal
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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The Story of Maghan
Maghan is a variant spelling of the beloved Welsh name Megan, which itself evolved from Meg, a medieval pet form of Margaret. Margaret traces back to the Latin margarita and Greek margarites, both meaning pearl. The name traveled through medieval Europe as Margaret became the name of queens, saints, and common women alike, transforming in Wales into the distinctly Celtic Megan. The Maghan spelling gives this classic name a more unusual, distinctive look while preserving its familiar sound.
Megan and its variants surged in popularity in the English-speaking world during the 1980s and 1990s, though the Maghan spelling remains far less common, appealing to parents seeking a subtle twist on the familiar.
In Welsh tradition, Megan and its variants represent a distinctly Celtic identity — a name deeply associated with the green hills and lyrical language of Wales.
Historical Record
Maghan first appeared in US Social Security records in 1975.
Over 496 babies have been named Maghan in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Maghan is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #60,751 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The word pearl was so treasured in ancient times that Margaret variants became some of the most widespread names in all of European history
- Megan is one of Wales most iconic names and is recognized globally as distinctly Welsh
Maghan in Other Languages
Welsh
Megan
French
Marguerite
German
Margarete
Spanish
Margarita
Popularity Over Time
#60,751
Current Rank
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Maghan
M
Megan Thee Stallion
Musician
1995
Grammy-winning American rapper
M
Megan Fox
Actor
1986
American actress known for Transformers
M
Megan Rapinoe
Athlete
1985
American soccer player and World Cup champion
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #60,751
- Total SSA Count
- 5
- Cultural Origins
- Welsh English Celtic
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Meg
Maggie
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 2-2 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
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Maghan
5 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (Welsh)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Maghan
What does the name Maghan mean?
"pearl" (from Welsh via Latin/Greek). Maghan is a variant spelling of the beloved Welsh name Megan, which itself evolved from Meg, a medieval pet form of Margaret. Margaret traces back to the Latin margarita and Greek margarites, both meaning pearl. The name traveled through medieval Europe as Margaret became the name of queens, saints, and common women alike, transforming in Wales into the distinctly Celtic Megan. The Maghan spelling gives this classic name a more unusual, distinctive look while preserving its familiar sound.
What is the origin of the name Maghan?
Maghan has Welsh via Latin/Greek, Welsh, English, and Celtic origins. In Welsh via Latin/Greek, it means "pearl".
Is Maghan a boy or girl name?
Maghan is primarily used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Maghan?
Maghan is currently ranked #60751 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Maghan?
Common nicknames for Maghan include Meg and Maggie.
What are good middle names for Maghan?
Popular middle name pairings include Maghan Rose, Maghan Lynn, Maghan Marie, Maghan Grace, and Maghan Ann.
What are good sibling names for Maghan?
Names that pair well with Maghan as siblings include Dylan, Brynn, Erin, Caitlin, and Liam.
How many syllables does Maghan have?
Maghan has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Maghan a common or rare name?
Maghan is an uncommon name, ranked #60751 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Maghan
Maghan is a girl name with Welsh, English, and Celtic origins . The name means "pearl" in Welsh via Latin/Greek .
Maghan is currently ranked #60,751 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Maghan has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Maghan include Meg and Maggie. 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