Meaghan is a unique and beautiful female given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Irish name "Máighnáin," which is composed of two elements: "maigh" meaning "plain, field" and "níán" meaning "little." Thus, Meaghan translates to "little plain" or "small field."
The name Meaghan has a rich history in Irish folklore and literature. It is often associated with the legendary warrior queen, Mná Bhéag, who fought against the invading Vikings during the 9th century. This legendary figure inspired many tales of bravery and courage, which may have contributed to the popularity of the name Meaghan among Irish families.
In more recent times, the name Meaghan has gained international recognition due to its use by celebrities such as actress Meaghan Rath, known for her role in the television series "Being Human," and Olympic gold medalist Meaghan Mikkelson, a member of the Canadian women's national ice hockey team. These notable individuals have helped popularize the name and make it more familiar to people around the world.
Meaghan is also considered a unisex name, although it is more commonly used for females. It has been used sparingly throughout history but has seen a gradual increase in popularity since the late 20th century. Today, Meaghan continues to be an attractive choice for parents looking for a distinctive and meaningful name for their daughter.
In conclusion, Meaghan is a charming Irish name with a fascinating history and a unique meaning. Its association with strength, courage, and beauty makes it an appealing option for those seeking a memorable and significant name for their child.
The name Meaghan has seen a significant rise and fall in popularity over the years in the United States, with its peak occurring in the late 1980s to early 1990s.
In the mid-20th century, the name Meaghan was quite rare. Between 1955 and 1963, there were fewer than 15 births per year with this name. However, starting in the late 1960s, its popularity began to grow steadily. By 1978, there were over 250 births of girls named Meaghan, marking a significant increase from previous years.
The name's popularity continued to rise throughout the 1980s and early 1990s. In 1983, there were nearly 500 births of girls named Meaghan, more than quadruple the number in 1978. This trend persisted until 1994, when there were over 600 such births.
However, after this peak, the popularity of the name began to decline. By 2003, the number of births with the name Meaghan had dropped below 250, and it continued to fall throughout the rest of the decade.
In recent years, the name has become quite rare once again. Between 2014 and 2020, there were fewer than 25 births per year of girls named Meaghan in the United States.
Overall, while the name Meaghan was quite popular for a brief period in the late 20th century, it has been less common both before and after this peak. Its popularity appears to have mirrored broader trends towards unique and distinctive baby names during this time.