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 seen a significant increase in popularity from the 1950s onwards, peaking in the late 1970s to early 1980s with over 4,500 births per year during that period. However, its usage has steadily declined since then, reaching fewer than 300 births per year by the mid-2010s."