What does Morgan mean and where does it come from?
Morgan has Welsh origins, deriving from the words 'mor' (sea) and 'gen' (born or circle). Traditionally, Morgan was a male name but became popular for females in the 20th century. Notable figures include the legendary King Arthur's sister, Morgan le Fay. The name has gained popularity in the United
Cultural significance
Morgan has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Welsh-speaking communities, where it reflects values of sea-born or sea-circle.
Peak popularity
Reached #22 in 1997 — currently #312 in the US.
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Related Reading
Welsh-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Morgan?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Morgan?
Morgan works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Morgan Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Morgan John
One syllable · timeless choice
Morgan Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Morgan Grace
One syllable · timeless choice
Morgan Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Morgan Beau
One syllable · on the rise
How popular is Morgan right now?
Declining — down 35 spots — currently #312 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #312 | 977 | ▼ down 35 · -15% births |
| 2024 | #277 | 1,144 | ▼ down 30 · -8% births |
| 2023 | #247 | 1,247 | ▼ down 34 · -10% births |
| 2022 | #213 | 1,383 | ▼ down 8 · -4% births |
| 2021 | #205 | 1,447 | ▼ down 12 · -2% births |
| 2020 | #193 | 1,483 | ▼ down 73 · -45% births |
| 2015 | #120 | 2,684 | ▼ down 57 · -34% births |
| 2010 | #63 | 4,073 | ▼ down 30 · -40% births |
| 2005 | #33 | 6,749 | ▼ down 8 · -29% births |
| 2000 | #25 | 9,502 | ▼ down 2 · -13% births |
| 1995 | #23 | 10,875 | ▲ up 35 · +80% births |
| 1990 | #58 | 6,049 | ▲ up 69 · +165% births |
| 1985 | #127 | 2,281 | ▲ up 116 · +115% births |
| 1980 | #243 | 1,062 | ▲ up 794 · +823% births |
| 1975 | #1037 | 115 | — |
The story of Morgan
Morgan entered American naming records in 1918 and has been in use for over 106 years. Its peak popularity was #22 in 1997. More than 260,363 babies have been named Morgan since 1918. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #5324 in 1950 to #247 in 2023. Morgan is used for both genders: 83% female and 17% male.
Names that peaked alongside Morgan in 1997:
Morgan by decade
Morgan peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 252 | |
| 1890s | 255 | |
| 1900s | 257 | |
| 1910s | 1,189 | |
| 1920s | 1,528 | |
| 1930s | 1,204 | |
| 1940s | 1,296 | |
| 1950s | 1,883 | |
| 1960s | 2,805 | |
| 1970s | 4,903 | |
| 1980s | 31,499 | |
| 1990s ★ | 101,284 | |
| 2000s | 78,583 | |
| 2010s | 31,579 | |
| 2020s | 5,060 | |
What are good nicknames for Morgan?
What names sound and feel like Morgan?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Morgan also consider these
Common questions about the name Morgan
What does the name Morgan mean?
Morgan means "Sea-born or sea-circle" — 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 Morgan?
Morgan is currently ranked #247 in the United States 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 Morgan?
Morgan 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 Morgan?
Morgan is a two-syllable name pronounced MAW-rgun. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Morgan more of a girl or boy name?
Morgan is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.