What does Meghan mean and where does it come from?
Meghan is a Welsh diminutive of the name Margaret, which means 'pearl'. The name has gained immense popularity since the late 20th century, particularly in English-speaking countries. Notable individuals with the name include Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, who has brought further visibility t
Cultural significance
Meghan has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Wales-speaking communities, where it reflects values of welsh.
Peak popularity
Reached #63 in 1985 — currently #1906 in the US.
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Related Reading
Wales-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Meghan?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Meghan?
Meghan works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Meghan Grace
One syllable · timeless choice
Meghan Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Meghan Claire
One syllable · timeless choice
Meghan Zoey
One syllable · vintage charm
Meghan Jade
One syllable · vintage charm
Meghan Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Meghan right now?
Falling — down 459 spots — currently #1906 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #1906 | 102 | ▼ down 459 · -33% births |
| 2024 | #1447 | 152 | ▼ down 277 · -26% births |
| 2023 | #1170 | 206 | ▼ down 46 · -6% births |
| 2022 | #1124 | 219 | ▼ down 135 · -16% births |
| 2021 | #989 | 262 | ▼ down 111 · -14% births |
| 2020 | #878 | 303 | ▲ up 208 · +26% births |
| 2015 | #1086 | 241 | ▼ down 520 · -53% births |
| 2010 | #566 | 516 | ▼ down 295 · -58% births |
| 2005 | #271 | 1,218 | ▼ down 137 · -52% births |
| 2000 | #134 | 2,514 | ▼ down 22 · -15% births |
| 1995 | #112 | 2,963 | ▼ down 21 · -20% births |
| 1990 | #91 | 3,695 | ▼ down 28 · -21% births |
| 1985 | #63 | 4,667 | ▲ up 51 · +73% births |
| 1980 | #114 | 2,691 | ▲ up 178 · +228% births |
| 1975 | #292 | 821 | — |
The story of Meghan
Meghan entered American naming records in 1952 and has been in use for over 72 years. Its peak popularity was #63 in 1985. A total of 95,773 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4355 in 1955 to #1170 in 2023. Meghan is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Meghan in 1985:
Meghan by decade
Meghan peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1950s | 102 | |
| 1960s | 958 | |
| 1970s | 9,398 | |
| 1980s ★ | 36,353 | |
| 1990s | 31,525 | |
| 2000s | 14,098 | |
| 2010s | 3,036 | |
| 2020s | 557 | |
What are good nicknames for Meghan?
What names sound and feel like Meghan?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Meghan also consider these
How is Meghan written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Meghan
What does the name Meghan mean?
Meghan means "Welsh" — a name rooted in Wales 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 Meghan?
Meghan is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Meghan?
Meghan originates from Wales tradition. Wales 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 Meghan?
Meghan is a two-syllable name pronounced MEG-un. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Meghan a common or rare name?
Meghan is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.