What does Megan mean and where does it come from?
Megan is a diminutive form of the Welsh name 'Margaret'. It originates from the Welsh 'mwg' meaning 'strong' or 'noble'. The name gained popularity in Wales during the 19th century and has since become a well-loved name worldwide. It frequently ranks among the top baby names in English-speaking coun
Cultural significance
Megan has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Welsh-speaking communities, where it reflects values of strong, noble, mighty.
Peak popularity
Reached #10 in 1985 — currently #618 in the US.
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Related Reading
Welsh-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Megan?
Megan works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Megan Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Megan Rose
Floral · soft ending
Megan Mae
Sweet · timeless
Megan Claire
French influence · crisp
Megan Jane
Literary · strong
Megan Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Megan right now?
Holding steady — currently #618 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #618 | 1,582 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #623 | 1,562 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #628 | 1,532 | ▲ up 9 · +240% births |
| 2020 | #637 | 451 | ▼ down 252 · -47% births |
| 2015 | #385 | 852 | ▼ down 254 · -65% births |
| 2010 | #131 | 2,403 | ▼ down 90 · -59% births |
| 2005 | #41 | 5,856 | ▼ down 23 · -49% births |
| 2000 | #18 | 11,434 | ▼ down 5 · -26% births |
| 1995 | #13 | 15,528 | ▼ down 2 · -23% births |
| 1990 | #11 | 20,256 | ▼ down 1 · +1% births |
| 1985 | #10 | 20,013 | ▲ up 20 · +119% births |
| 1980 | #30 | 9,138 | ▲ up 39 · +118% births |
| 1975 | #69 | 4,195 | ▲ up 177 · +230% births |
| 1970 | #246 | 1,270 | ▲ up 124 · +109% births |
| 1965 | #370 | 608 | — |
The story of Megan
Megan entered American naming records in 1922 and has been in use for over 102 years. It peaked at #10 in 1985, placing it among the top 10 most popular names. More than 439,148 babies have been named Megan since 1922. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #5089 in 1930 to #618 in 2023. Megan is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Megan in 1985:
Megan by decade
Megan peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1920s | 39 | |
| 1930s | 47 | |
| 1940s | 191 | |
| 1950s | 1,887 | |
| 1960s | 5,924 | |
| 1970s | 37,505 | |
| 1980s | 154,077 | |
| 1990s ★ | 160,623 | |
| 2000s | 66,935 | |
| 2010s | 11,469 | |
| 2020s | 451 | |
What are good nicknames for Megan?
What names sound and feel like Megan?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Megan also consider these
How is Megan written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Megan
What does the name Megan mean?
Megan means "strong, noble, mighty" — a name rooted in Welsh 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 Megan?
Megan is currently ranked #618 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 Megan?
Megan originates from Welsh tradition. Welsh 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 Megan?
Megan is a two-syllable name pronounced M EY1 G AH0 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Megan more of a girl or boy name?
Megan is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.