Meghan is a name of Irish and Scottish origin, meaning "strong warrior" or "pearl". It is derived from the Irish surname Ó Meacháin, which comes from the early Gaelic personal name Meacan, meaning "handsome". The name has been used as both a male and female given name in Ireland for centuries.
In Scotland, Meghan was used as a female given name since at least the 18th century. It is believed to have originated as an anglicized form of the Scottish surname McMichen or McMichael, which were derived from the Gaelic personal names Mic Mhic Chainich or Mic Mhicheil.
The name Meghan gained popularity in English-speaking countries during the 20th century. In the United States, for example, it was not commonly used until the 1960s, but it has since become quite popular. According to data from the Social Security Administration, Meghan was among the top 1,000 most popular girls' names in the U.S. every year between 1984 and 2007.
Meghan is a name that has been associated with several notable figures throughout history. One of the most famous bearers of the name is Meghan Markle, an American actress who married Prince Harry of Wales in 2018. She became known as Meghan, Duchess of Sussex after her marriage and subsequent royal title.
Overall, Meghan is a name with strong Irish and Scottish roots that has gained international popularity over the past century. Its meaning of "strong warrior" or "pearl" adds to its appeal for many parents seeking a unique yet meaningful name for their daughter.
The name Meghan has been a popular choice for parents in the United States since the mid-20th century. The first significant peak in its popularity occurred in the late 1970s, with 2571 births recorded in 1979. This marked the beginning of a decade where the name consistently ranked among the top 1000 names for girls each year.
The name's popularity reached its zenith in the early 1980s, with a total of 3889 births recorded in 1983. This was followed by another peak in 1985, with 4670 births recorded that year. These years marked Meghan as one of the most popular names for girls during this period.
However, like many other names, Meghan's popularity has fluctuated over time. After its peaks in the mid-1980s, the name began to decline in popularity, reaching an all-time low in recent years with only 205 births recorded in 2023.
Despite this recent decline, it is worth noting that Meghan remains a classic and timeless name, having been popular for several decades. As of 2021, the total number of births with the name Meghan stands at an impressive 96243, indicating its enduring appeal among parents in the United States.
This statistical overview provides insight into the popularity of the name Meghan over time. While trends may fluctuate, the consistent popularity of this name across several decades demonstrates its enduring appeal and place in American naming culture.