What does Meaghan mean and where does it come from?
Meaghan is an anglicized variant of the Irish name 'Méabh,' which means 'intoxicating.' It is associated with the legendary Queen Medb of Connacht, a figure in Irish mythology known for her strength and independence. The name has become popular in the English-speaking world, particularly in the Unit
Cultural significance
Meaghan has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Irish-speaking communities, where it reflects values of méabh.
Peak popularity
Reached #326 in 1986 — currently #1183 in the US.
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Related Reading
Irish-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Meaghan?
Meaghan works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Meaghan Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Meaghan Rose
Floral · soft ending
Meaghan Mae
Sweet · timeless
Meaghan Claire
French influence · crisp
Meaghan Jane
Literary · strong
Meaghan Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Meaghan right now?
Holding steady — currently #1183 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1183 | 1,017 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1188 | 997 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #1193 | 967 | ▲ up 6798 · +7338% births |
| 2020 | #7991 | 13 | ▼ down 1223 · -28% births |
| 2015 | #6768 | 18 | ▼ down 3678 · -67% births |
| 2010 | #3090 | 54 | ▼ down 1594 · -61% births |
| 2005 | #1496 | 140 | ▼ down 806 · -59% births |
| 2000 | #690 | 342 | ▼ down 215 · -34% births |
| 1995 | #475 | 520 | ▼ down 107 · -28% births |
| 1990 | #368 | 722 | stable · +14% births |
| 1985 | #368 | 633 | ▲ up 178 · +86% births |
| 1980 | #546 | 341 | ▲ up 692 · +267% births |
| 1975 | #1238 | 93 | ▲ up 562 · +86% births |
| 1970 | #1800 | 50 | ▲ up 1581 · +233% births |
| 1965 | #3381 | 15 | — |
The story of Meaghan
Meaghan entered American naming records in 1955 and has been in use for over 69 years. A total of 14,040 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #6663 in 1955 to #1183 in 2023. Meaghan is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Meaghan in 1986:
Meaghan by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1950s | 14 | |
| 1960s | 143 | |
| 1970s | 1,103 | |
| 1980s | 5,348 | |
| 1990s ★ | 5,423 | |
| 2000s | 1,756 | |
| 2010s | 240 | |
| 2020s | 13 | |
What are good nicknames for Meaghan?
Famous people named Meaghan
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Meaghan (Irish saint)
Meaghan helped spread this name across Ireland and Scotland through the early Christian monastic movement.
M(
Meaghan (Irish poet or writer)
Meaghan used this name in the rich tradition of Irish literature and storytelling.
M(
Meaghan (Celtic chieftain)
Meaghan bore this name in ancient Ireland, where it connected to the Gaelic oral tradition.
M(
Meaghan (Irish saint)
Meaghan helped spread this name across Ireland and Scotland through the early Christian monastic movement.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Meaghan?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Meaghan also consider these
How is Meaghan written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Meaghan
What does the name Meaghan mean?
Meaghan means "Méabh" — a name rooted in Irish tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Meaghan?
Meaghan is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Meaghan?
Meaghan originates from Irish tradition. Irish names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Meaghan?
Meaghan is a four-syllable name pronounced M IY1 AE1 G HH AA1 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Meaghan?
Meaghan pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Irish heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.