What does Meighan mean and where does it come from?
The name Meighan is derived as a variant of the name Megan, which has Welsh origins. It gained popularity in the United States and the United Kingdom in the late 20th century. The name is often associated with strength and resilience. Spelling variations like Meagan and Maeghan are also common. Nota
Cultural significance
Meighan has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a variant of megan, meaning 'great' or 'strong'.
Peak popularity
Reached #2526 in 1988 — currently #1846 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Meighan?
Meighan works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Meighan Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Meighan Rose
Floral · soft ending
Meighan Mae
Sweet · timeless
Meighan Claire
French influence · crisp
Meighan Jane
Literary · strong
Meighan Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Meighan right now?
Holding steady — currently #1846 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1846 | 354 | ▲ up 5 · +6% births |
| 2022 | #1851 | 334 | ▲ up 5 · +10% births |
| 2021 | #1856 | 304 | ▲ up 8228 · +3278% births |
| 2000 | #10084 | 9 | ▼ down 4010 · -40% births |
| 1995 | #6074 | 15 | ▼ down 1462 · -29% births |
| 1990 | #4612 | 21 | ▲ up 616 · +50% births |
| 1985 | #5228 | 14 | ▲ up 925 · +27% births |
| 1980 | #6153 | 11 | ▼ down 2776 · -48% births |
| 1975 | #3377 | 21 | ▲ up 5425 · +320% births |
| 1970 | #8802 | 5 | ▼ down 2298 · -17% births |
| 1965 | #6504 | 6 | — |
The story of Meighan
Meighan is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1965. With 564 total births recorded, Meighan remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #6504 in 1965 to #1846 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Meighan in 1988:
Meighan by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1960s | 39 | |
| 1970s | 149 | |
| 1980s ★ | 191 | |
| 1990s | 166 | |
| 2000s | 19 | |
💎Meighan has only 564 total recorded births since 1965 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Meighan?
What names sound and feel like Meighan?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Meighan also consider these
Common questions about the name Meighan
What does the name Meighan mean?
Meighan means "A variant of Megan, meaning 'great' or 'strong'" — a name rooted in American 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 Meighan?
Meighan 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 Meighan?
Meighan originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Meighan a common or rare name?
Meighan is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
What are good nicknames for Meighan?
Meighan naturally lends itself to affectionate nicknames. Shortened versions based on the first syllable are most popular, and many parents also create unique pet names that feel personal to their family.