The Girl’s Name Megan
Megan is a girl’s name that originates from Wales.
Meaning of the Name
Megan is a popular female given name of Welsh origin. It is derived from the Welsh name Meg, which itself is a diminutive form of Margaret. The name Margaret comes from the Greek “margarites,” meaning “pearl.”
Popularity of Megan
The first recorded use of the name Megan dates back to the medieval period in Wales. Over time, Megan became a popular name in the English-speaking world, particularly in the 20th century. It gained widespread popularity in the United States during the 1980s and 1990s, peaking in 1990.
Megan is a popular name in Wales. In 2021, Megan was the 65th most popular baby name in Wales according to the Office of National Statistics.
Pronunciation
In Welsh, Megan is pronounced MEH-gan, with emphasis on the first syllable. In English-speaking countries, it’s commonly pronounced MEG-an.
Variations
- Meghan: An anglicised spelling variation
- Meagan: Another common variant spelling
- Meggan: Less common variant
Famous People with the Name Megan
From the list below you can see that Megan is a popular name in the USA and Hollywood:
- Megan Fox – An American actress who starred in the film Transformers.
- Megan Mullally – An American actress and singer. She starred in the television series Will and Grace.
- Megan McCormick – An American TV presenter
- Megan Rapinoe: American soccer player
- Megan Griffin is a fictional character from the cartoon The Family Guy.
Summary
The name Megan represents the enduring influence of Welsh culture and language on modern naming practices. Its popularity beyond Wales demonstrates the global appeal of Celtic-origin names.
Megan has been popular in Wales and beyond, thanks to its melodic sound and rich cultural heritage. Megan signifies purity, beauty, and preciousness, much like the gemstone it represents.
Discover the beauty of other Welsh girl’s names. Ideal if you are looking for a name for your baby.