"pearl"
Origin: Greek via Welsh
Language: Welsh
Megan
Pronunciation: [ m-AYG-uhn ]
Does Megan flow with your last name?
A Welsh pearl of a name with timeless appeal
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Meaning & Origin
"child of light"
Origin: Welsh diminutive tradition
Language: Welsh
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The Story of Megan
Megan is a Welsh pet form of Margaret, which derives from the Greek 'margarites' meaning 'pearl.' Margaret traveled from Greek through Latin into medieval Europe, becoming one of the most popular names in Christian history through Saint Margaret of Antioch. In Welsh, the diminutive became Megan — a name with centuries of use in Wales before it spread to England and eventually the world.
Megan peaked in the US in the 1990s, when it was a top-10 name. It was carried by a generation of Millennials and has since declined as those children have grown up and the name is perceived as 'Mom's name.' The 2018 royal wedding of Meghan Markle (different spelling) brought fresh attention, though with a distinct spelling. Megan Fox kept the name in pop culture throughout the 2000s.
Megan is quintessentially Welsh — Wales is the only place where it evolved naturally from Margaret. It represents the Welsh diminutive tradition (like Sion from John, Dafydd from David) and carries a strong sense of Celtic heritage. In Wales, Megan ranks among the most beloved girl names of the 20th century.
Historical Record
Megan first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 439,488 babies have been named Megan in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Megan is past its peak , currently ranked #761 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Megan is the Welsh diminutive of Margaret, making it one of the few English-speaking names with an unambiguously Welsh origin
- Margaret/Megan has been borne by queens, saints, and a Duchess — the name's royal connections span from St. Margaret of Scotland to Meghan, Duchess of Sussex
Megan in Other Languages
Greek
Margarita
Welsh
Megan
French
Marguerite
German
Margarete
Italian
Margherita
Spanish
Margarita
Popularity Over Time
#761
Current Rank
Peaked 1985
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Megan
M
Megan Thee Stallion
Musician
1995
American rapper and performer, multiple Grammy winner and cultural phenomenon of the early 2020s
M
Megan Fox
Actor
1986
American actress known for the Transformers franchise and her status as a major pop culture icon of the 2000s
M
Meg March Fictional
Other
Eldest of the four sisters in Louisa May Alcott's beloved novel 'Little Women' (1868)
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #761
- Total SSA Count
- 369
- Cultural Origins
- Welsh English American Irish
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Meg
Meggie
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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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 2-1 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, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Megan
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Megan is also used as a boy name, ranked #16696.
View Megan as a boy name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (Welsh)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Megan
What does the name Megan mean?
"pearl" (from Greek via Welsh). "child of light" (from Welsh diminutive tradition). Megan is a Welsh pet form of Margaret, which derives from the Greek 'margarites' meaning 'pearl.' Margaret traveled from Greek through Latin into medieval Europe, becoming one of the most popular names in Christian history through Saint Margaret of Antioch. In Welsh, the diminutive became Megan — a name with centuries of use in Wales before it spread to England and eventually the world.
What is the origin of the name Megan?
Megan has Greek via Welsh, Welsh diminutive tradition, Welsh, English, American, and Irish origins. In Greek via Welsh, it means "pearl". In Welsh diminutive tradition, it means "child of light".
Is Megan a boy or girl name?
Megan is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #761. As a boy name, it is ranked #16696. Megan is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Megan?
Megan is pronounced m-AYG-uhn.
How popular is the name Megan?
Megan is currently ranked #761 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Megan?
Common nicknames for Megan include Meg and Meggie.
What are good middle names for Megan?
Popular middle name pairings include Megan Rose, Megan Anne, Megan Lynn, Megan Marie, Megan Elizabeth, Megan Grace, and Megan Jane.
What are good sibling names for Megan?
Names that pair well with Megan as siblings include Ryan, Kevin, Shannon, Bridget, Connor, Erin, and Patrick.
How many syllables does Megan have?
Megan has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Megan a common or rare name?
Megan is moderately common, ranked #761 for girls in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
About the Name Megan
Megan is a girl name with Welsh, English, American, and Irish origins . The name means "pearl" in Greek via Welsh .
Is Megan a boy or girl name? Megan is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #761 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #16,696. Megan is more commonly used as a girl name.
Megan is currently ranked #761 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Megan has 2 syllables and is pronounced m-AYG-uhn, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Megan include Meg and Meggie. 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