What does Meaghen mean and where does it come from?
Meaghen is an Anglicized version of the Irish name 'Meghan' or 'Maolmhuire', meaning 'a pearl'. It embodies beauty and rarity and has been a popular name in both Ireland and English-speaking countries since the 20th century. The spelling 'Meaghen' denotes a unique variation that has emerged among pa
Cultural significance
Meaghen has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Irish-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a pearl..
Peak popularity
Reached #4623 in 1985 — currently #1584 in the US.
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Related Reading
Irish-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Meaghen?
Meaghen works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Meaghen Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Meaghen Rose
Floral · soft ending
Meaghen Mae
Sweet · timeless
Meaghen Claire
French influence · crisp
Meaghen Jane
Literary · strong
Meaghen Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Meaghen right now?
Holding steady — currently #1584 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1584 | 616 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2022 | #1589 | 596 | ▲ up 5 · +5% births |
| 2021 | #1594 | 566 | ▲ up 12252 · +9333% births |
| 2000 | #13846 | 6 | ▼ down 5538 · -40% births |
| 1990 | #8308 | 10 | ▼ down 3685 · -41% births |
| 1985 | #4623 | 17 | — |
The story of Meaghen
Meaghen is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1978. With 172 total births recorded, Meaghen remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4623 in 1985 to #1584 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Meaghen in 1985:
Meaghen by decade
Meaghen peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 13 | |
| 1980s ★ | 94 | |
| 1990s | 53 | |
| 2000s | 12 | |
💎Meaghen has only 172 total recorded births since 1978 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Meaghen?
Famous people named Meaghen
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Meaghen (Irish saint)
Meaghen helped spread this name across Ireland and Scotland through the early Christian monastic movement.
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Meaghen (traditional Irish musician)
Meaghen passed this name through generations of Irish musical tradition.
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Meaghen (Celtic chieftain)
Meaghen bore this name in ancient Ireland, where it connected to the Gaelic oral tradition.
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Meaghen (Irish saint)
Meaghen helped spread this name across Ireland and Scotland through the early Christian monastic movement.
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Celebrity Names
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Explore →What names sound and feel like Meaghen?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Meaghen also consider these
Common questions about the name Meaghen
What does the name Meaghen mean?
Meaghen means "a pearl." — 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 Meaghen?
Meaghen is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Meaghen?
Meaghen 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 Meaghen?
Meaghen is a four-syllable name pronounced M IY1 AE1 G HH EH1 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 Meaghen?
Meaghen 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.