Morgana is a name of Welsh origin that has gained popularity in recent years. It is derived from the Welsh word "morg Haf" which means "sea-born". This name has been popularized by various characters in literature and media, such as Morgan le Fay from Arthurian legend and the titular character in the video game series "The Legend of Zelda".
Historically, Morgana was a powerful enchantress and half-sister to King Arthur. She is often portrayed as a villainess who uses her magic against Arthur and his knights. However, some interpretations depict her as a more sympathetic figure, torn between loyalty to her brother and her desire for power.
Despite its historical associations with dark magic, Morgana is actually a beautiful and unique name that has become popular among parents looking for something distinctive for their daughters. It is often associated with strength, intelligence, and independence, although these traits are not necessarily connected to the name itself.
In terms of popularity, Morgana has been used as a given name in English-speaking countries since at least the 19th century. However, it was not particularly common until recent years when it began to appear more frequently in baby name lists. Today, Morgana remains relatively rare compared to other names but continues to be chosen by parents who appreciate its unique sound and meaning.
Overall, Morgana is a striking and meaningful name with roots in Welsh mythology and literature. Its association with powerful women like Morgan le Fay has contributed to its appeal as a strong and distinctive choice for girls. While it may not be the most popular name on the charts, those who choose Morgana are likely drawn to its unique history and beautiful sound.
The name Morgana has seen a steady increase in popularity over the years in the United States. Between 1962 and 2023, there have been a total of 674 babies named Morgana.
Interestingly, the number of births each year has varied significantly. In some years, only a few babies were given the name Morgana, while in others, over 20 babies received this name.
The highest number of Morgana births occurred in recent years, with 29 babies being born in 2023 and 21 babies named Morgana in 2022. This suggests that the name is currently quite popular among parents-to-be in the United States.
However, it wasn't always this way. In the early years, from 1962 to 1979, the number of births with the name Morgana was relatively low, ranging from 5 to 9 births per year. It wasn't until 1980 that we started to see a significant increase in popularity.
Between 1980 and 2023, there were several years with double-digit numbers of births for the name Morgana, indicating a growing trend in popularity. For instance, in 1985, there were 15 births; in 1990, there were 17 births; and in 2020, there were 20 babies named Morgana.
This data demonstrates that while the name Morgana may not have been extremely popular initially, it has gained traction over time and is now quite common among newborns in the United States.