All about the name

Megan

Female

« Megan is a Welsh name meaning "gentle maiden. »

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Meaning, origin, history

Megan is a name of Welsh origin, meaning "gentle maiden." It is believed to have been derived from the ancient Welsh word "meg" which meant "maiden," and was often used in combination with other names to create compound names such as Megan Rhys or Megan ferch Owain. The name Megan gained popularity during the 20th century, particularly in the United States. According to data from the Social Security Administration, it was among the top 1,000 most popular girl's names in every year between 1978 and 2018, reaching its peak popularity in 1997 when it ranked as the 34th most popular name for newborn girls. While Megan is typically considered a female name, it can also be used as a boy's name. The name has been borne by several notable individuals throughout history, including Meg Ryan, an American actress known for her roles in films such as "When Harry Met Sally" and "Sleepless in Seattle," and Megan Fox, an American actress and model who rose to fame after being cast in the Transformers film series. Overall, the name Megan is of Welsh origin and has a simple yet meaningful meaning. It gained significant popularity during the latter half of the 20th century and continues to be used today for both girls and boys. Throughout history, several notable individuals have carried this name, further contributing to its recognition and appeal.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Megan since 1880

Total births
439,386
Total since 1880
Peak year
1990
20,259 births
in 2023
414
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-38%
vs previous 5 years