Megan Name Meaning

Helen Doanna

By Helen Doanna

Lastest Updated June 7, 2024
Home » Baby Names » Megan Name Meaning

Fact: The name Megan started as a Welsh pet form of Margaret and became an independent name in Wales before spreading to other English-speaking countries.

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A Deep Dive

Megan Overview

Meaning

Pearl

Gender

Girl

Origin

Welsh

Etymology

Originally a pet form of Margaret, meaning “pearl.”

Pronunciation

/ˈmɛɡ.ən/

Popularity

Megan has been consistently popular in English-speaking countries, peaking in the 1990s in the United States.

Syllable

2 syllables

Length

5 letters

Numerology

22 (Influential, Visionary, Powerful)

Name Styles

Popular, Classic, Traditional

Associated Traits

Friendly, compassionate, creative, determined

Name Day

January 25th
A Deep Dive

Megan Variations in Different Cultures

Popular Variations

Meagan, Meghan, Meg, Megyn, Meaghan, Maegan, Maygan, Meghanne, Meggan, Meghen

Common Nicknames

Meg, Meggy, Megs, Meggie, Megsy, Mugg, Eggie

Diminutives

Meg, Meggy, Megs, Mugg

Famous People

  • Megan Fox
    (American Movie Actress)
  • Megan Thee Stallion
    (American Rapper)
  • Megan Rapinoe
    (American Soccer Player)
  • Megan Mullally
    (American TV Actress)
  • Megan Boone
    (American TV Actress)

Pop Culture Icons and Works

  • Megan Parker
    ("Drake & Josh," TV Show)
  • Megan Draper
    ("Mad Men," TV Show)
  • Megan Hunt
    ("Grey's Anatomy," TV Show)
  • Megan
    ("E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial," Film)
  • Megan
    ("My Little Pony," TV Show)

What Is the Meaning of Megan?

Megan means “pearl.” It is derived from the Welsh name Meg, which is a diminutive of Margaret. The name is often associated with qualities of beauty, elegance, and value, much like a pearl​.

What Is the Origin of The Name Megan?

The name Megan originates from Wales. It evolved as a pet name for Margaret, which comes from the Greek word “margarítēs,” meaning “pearl.” Megan started as a diminutive form in Welsh culture and became a standalone name in the 20th century.

Megan Name Popularity

Popularity Chart of the Name Megan in the U.S. over the Years

United States flagUnited States#6092021#7292022#6942023
Top 3 Rankings#101985#101992#101994

Annual Statistics Breakdown for Megan

YearName RankingNumber of BirthsBirth Rate (%)
2023694
(+35 from 2022)
414
(+15 from 2022)
0.02367
2022729
(-120 from 2021)
399
(-90 from 2021)
0.02225
2021609
(+30 from 2020)
489
(+36 from 2020)
0.02729
2020639
(-30 from 2019)
453
(-45 from 2019)
0.02563
2019609
(-63 from 2018)
498
(-67 from 2018)
0.02714
2018546
(-50 from 2017)
565
(-66 from 2017)
0.03038
2017496
(-64 from 2016)
631
(-119 from 2016)
0.03340
2016432
(-47 from 2015)
750
(-103 from 2015)
0.03874
2015385
(-80 from 2014)
853
(-211 from 2014)
0.04372
2014305
(-50 from 2013)
1064
(-182 from 2013)
0.05439
2013255
(-56 from 2012)
1246
(-314 from 2012)
0.06464
2012199
(-35 from 2011)
1560
(-354 from 2011)
0.08043
2011164
(-33 from 2010)
1914
(-492 from 2010)
0.09878
2010131
(-26 from 2009)
2406
(-652 from 2009)
0.12271
2009105
(-5 from 2008)
3058
(-358 from 2008)
0.15101
2008100
(-22 from 2007)
3416
(-708 from 2007)
0.16400
200778
(-18 from 2006)
4124
(-821 from 2006)
0.19485
200660
(-19 from 2005)
4945
(-911 from 2005)
0.23654
200541
(-5 from 2004)
5856
(-831 from 2004)
0.28853
200436
(-6 from 2003)
6687
(-1113 from 2003)
0.33140
200330
(-8 from 2002)
7800
(-1410 from 2002)
0.38875
200222
(-2 from 2001)
9210
(-1090 from 2001)
0.46633
200120
(-2 from 2000)
10300
(-1136 from 2000)
0.51996
200018
(-3 from 1999)
11436
(-792 from 1999)
0.57302
199915
(-2 from 1998)
12228
(-1028 from 1998)
0.62811
199813
(-2 from 1997)
13256
(-987 from 1997)
0.68383
199711
(+1 from 1996)
14243
(-526 from 1996)
0.74600
199612
(+1 from 1995)
14769
(-761 from 1995)
0.77033
199513
(-3 from 1994)
15530
(-1050 from 1994)
0.80820
199410
(+1 from 1993)
16580
(+195 from 1993)
0.85053
199311
(-1 from 1992)
16385
(-1456 from 1992)
0.83108
199210
(+1 from 1991)
17841
(-1436 from 1991)
0.88997
199111
No change from 1990
19277
(-982 from 1990)
0.94801
199011
No change from 1989
20259
(+479 from 1989)
0.98613
198911
(+1 from 1988)
19780
(+1210 from 1988)
0.99288
198812
No change from 1987
18570
(+746 from 1987)
0.96562
198712
(-1 from 1986)
17824
(-766 from 1986)
0.95101
198611
(-1 from 1985)
18590
(-1424 from 1985)
1.00732
198510
(+1 from 1984)
20014
(+3031 from 1984)
1.08400
198411
(+10 from 1983)
16983
(+2859 from 1983)
0.94177
198321
(+13 from 1982)
14124
(+4606 from 1982)
0.78920
198234
(-1 from 1981)
9518
(+552 from 1981)
0.52461
198133
(-3 from 1980)
8966
(-168 from 1980)
0.50131
198030
(+1 from 1979)
9134
(+840 from 1979)
0.51296
197931
(+10 from 1978)
8294
(+2397 from 1978)
0.48129
197841
(+13 from 1977)
5897
(+577 from 1977)
0.35872
197754
(+8 from 1976)
5320
(+856 from 1976)
0.32340
197662
(+7 from 1975)
4464
(+272 from 1975)
0.28399
197569
(+36 from 1974)
4192
(+1374 from 1974)
0.26857
1974105
(+36 from 1973)
2818
(+797 from 1973)
0.17992
1973141
(+39 from 1972)
2021
(+434 from 1972)
0.13004
1972180
(+19 from 1971)
1587
(+87 from 1971)
0.09842
1971199
(+47 from 1970)
1500
(+233 from 1970)
0.08559
1970246
(+30 from 1969)
1267
(+236 from 1969)
0.06916
1969276
(+32 from 1968)
1031
(+218 from 1968)
0.05849
1968308
(+20 from 1967)
813
(+104 from 1967)
0.04755
1967328
(+25 from 1966)
709
(+54 from 1966)
0.04130
1966353
(+17 from 1965)
655
(+47 from 1965)
0.03731
1965370
(+63 from 1964)
608
(+96 from 1964)
0.03327
1964433
(+35 from 1963)
512
(+80 from 1963)
0.02616
1963468
(+23 from 1962)
432
(+41 from 1962)
0.02173
1962491
(-7 from 1961)
391
(-11 from 1961)
0.01929
1961484
(+22 from 1960)
402
(+38 from 1960)
0.01935
1960506
(+9 from 1959)
364
(+6 from 1959)
0.01750
1959515
(+49 from 1958)
358
(+57 from 1958)
0.01722
1958564
(+44 from 1957)
301
(+43 from 1957)
0.01457
1957608
(+74 from 1956)
258
(+61 from 1956)
0.01230
1956682
(-17 from 1955)
197
(-1 from 1955)
0.00957
1955665
(+83 from 1954)
198
(+45 from 1954)
0.00988
1954748
(-19 from 1953)
153
(-3 from 1953)
0.00769
1953729
(+113 from 1952)
156
(+37 from 1952)
0.00808
1952842
(+163 from 1951)
119
(+33 from 1951)
0.00626
19511005
(+178 from 1950)
86
(+25 from 1950)
0.00466
19501183
(+553 from 1949)
61
(+31 from 1949)
0.00347
19491736
(+42 from 1948)
30
(+2 from 1948)
0.00171
19481778
(+12 from 1947)
28
(-1 from 1947)
0.00161
19471790
(+180 from 1946)
29
(+7 from 1946)
0.00160
19461970
(-271 from 1945)
22
(-2 from 1945)
0.00136
19451699
(+500 from 1944)
24
(+8 from 1944)
0.00178
19442199
(-299 from 1943)
16
(-5 from 1943)
0.00117
19431900
(+766 from 1942)
21
(+9 from 1942)
0.00146
19422666
(+297 from 1940)
12
(+3 from 1940)
0.00086
19410
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19402963
(+819 from 1939)
9
(+3 from 1939)
0.00076
19393782
(-406 from 1936)
6
(-1 from 1936)
0.00053
19380
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19370
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19363376
(+55 from 1935)
7
No change from 1935
0.00065
19353431
(-272 from 1934)
7
(-1 from 1934)
0.00064
19343159
(+247 from 1933)
8
(+1 from 1933)
0.00074
19333406
(+91 from 1931)
7
No change from 1931
0.00067
19320
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19313497
(+1054 from 1930)
7
(+2 from 1930)
0.00063
19304551
(-676 from 1927)
5
(-2 from 1927)
0.00043
19290
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19280
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19273875
(+976 from 1926)
7
(+2 from 1926)
0.00057
19264851
(-849 from 1924)
5
(-2 from 1924)
0.00041
19250
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19244002
(-1415 from 1923)
7
(-6 from 1923)
0.00054
19232587
(+1424 from 1922)
13
(+6 from 1922)
0.00104
19224011
First SSA data recorded
7
First SSA data recorded
0.00056
19210
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19200
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19190
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19180
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19170
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19160
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19150
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19140
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19130
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19120
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19110
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19100
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19090
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19080
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19070
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19060
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19050
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19040
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19030
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19020
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19010
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19000
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18990
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18980
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18970
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18960
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18950
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18940
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18930
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18920
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18910
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18900
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18890
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18880
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18870
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18860
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18850
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18840
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18830
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18820
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18810
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18800
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000

American States Popularity Rankings for Megan

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Number of Births )

California (CA)

California (CA) flagCalifornia (CA)#5102021#7832022#5562023

Texas (TX)

Texas (TX) flagTexas (TX)#4272021#5642022#5602023

Ohio (OH)

Ohio (OH) flagOhio (OH)#6332020#10342021#12012022

Pennsylvania (PA)

Pennsylvania (PA) flagPennsylvania (PA)#8602021#8892022#8102023

Illinois (IL)

Illinois (IL) flagIllinois (IL)#9742021#7802022#8132023

New York (NY)

New York (NY) flagNew York (NY)#5102021#6382022#6682023

Michigan (MI)

Michigan (MI) flagMichigan (MI)#7352021#13402022#11642023

Florida (FL)

Florida (FL) flagFlorida (FL)#3652021#4272022#4042023

Indiana (IN)

Indiana (IN) flagIndiana (IN)#6742021#9062022#5512023

New Jersey (NJ)

New Jersey (NJ) flagNew Jersey (NJ)#4972021#4672022#6632023

Wisconsin (WI)

Wisconsin (WI) flagWisconsin (WI)#8092021#6972022#8072023

Minnesota (MN)

Minnesota (MN) flagMinnesota (MN)#9402021#5932022#6482023

Missouri (MO)

Missouri (MO) flagMissouri (MO)#5972018#6702019#8052021

Virginia (VA)

Virginia (VA) flagVirginia (VA)#7182021#6342022#4722023

North Carolina (NC)

North Carolina (NC) flagNorth Carolina (NC)#10102021#9352022#9152023

Washington (WA)

Washington (WA) flagWashington (WA)#7672021#7952022#9092023

Georgia (GA)

Georgia (GA) flagGeorgia (GA)#5842021#7382022#7562023

Massachusetts (MA)

Massachusetts (MA) flagMassachusetts (MA)#5692020#7262021#9702022

Maryland (MD)

Maryland (MD) flagMaryland (MD)#6792021#5902022#9952023

Tennessee (TN)

Tennessee (TN) flagTennessee (TN)#10522019#6812021#9832022

Iowa (IA)

Iowa (IA) flagIowa (IA)#4542015#6592017#4912018

Colorado (CO)

Colorado (CO) flagColorado (CO)#4982020#7392021#9912022

Kentucky (KY)

Kentucky (KY) flagKentucky (KY)#7092019#6222020#7102022

Utah (UT)

Utah (UT) flagUtah (UT)#4482021#5822022#3112023

Louisiana (LA)

Louisiana (LA) flagLouisiana (LA)#8092021#8232022#6092023

Arizona (AZ)

Arizona (AZ) flagArizona (AZ)#7262021#5802022#6802023

Oregon (OR)

Oregon (OR) flagOregon (OR)#6522015#3732016#4332019

Kansas (KS)

Kansas (KS) flagKansas (KS)#4392016#4962017#6512020

Connecticut (CT)

Connecticut (CT) flagConnecticut (CT)#5772017#5732019#5352021

Oklahoma (OK)

Oklahoma (OK) flagOklahoma (OK)#8892016#8222018#5982023

Nebraska (NE)

Nebraska (NE) flagNebraska (NE)#4002015#2722016#4832019

Alabama (AL)

Alabama (AL) flagAlabama (AL)#9042020#9802022#9282023

South Carolina (SC)

South Carolina (SC) flagSouth Carolina (SC)#6402019#7582021#7492022

West Virginia (WV)

West Virginia (WV) flagWest Virginia (WV)#3882012#3392013#3922015

Arkansas (AR)

Arkansas (AR) flagArkansas (AR)#6292018#6412020#6532021

Idaho (ID)

Idaho (ID) flagIdaho (ID)#4232015#4232020#4342021

Mississippi (MS)

Mississippi (MS) flagMississippi (MS)#4462014#6382015#4142017

New Hampshire (NH)

New Hampshire (NH) flagNew Hampshire (NH)#2192011#2092012#2552013

Nevada (NV)

Nevada (NV) flagNevada (NV)#5112018#3652019#5912021

Maine (ME)

Maine (ME) flagMaine (ME)#2482011#1812012#2412013

New Mexico (NM)

New Mexico (NM) flagNew Mexico (NM)#2302014#3612015#4462016

South Dakota (SD)

South Dakota (SD) flagSouth Dakota (SD)#1432011#1852013#2022014

North Dakota (ND)

North Dakota (ND) flagNorth Dakota (ND)#1842012#1972013#2622014

Montana (MT)

Montana (MT) flagMontana (MT)#1812012#1912013#2512014

Delaware (DE)

Delaware (DE) flagDelaware (DE)#822008#1042009#1872014

Rhode Island (RI)

Rhode Island (RI) flagRhode Island (RI)#1242009#1772010#1452011

Hawaii (HI)

Hawaii (HI) flagHawaii (HI)#1942012#2722014#2822015

District of Columbia (DC)

District of Columbia (DC) flagDistrict of Columbia (DC)#2532009#1692011#2292013

Alaska (AK)

Alaska (AK) flagAlaska (AK)#1092009#1172012#2162015

Vermont (VT)

Vermont (VT) flagVermont (VT)#252005#602006#192007

Wyoming (WY)

Wyoming (WY) flagWyoming (WY)#892008#722009#562010

Popularity Rankings for Megan in other Countries and American Territories

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Rankings)

Popularity in Other American Territories

American Samoa flag American Samoa
Guam flag Guam
Northern Mariana Islands flag Northern Mariana Islands
U.S. Virgin Islands flag U.S. Virgin Islands

Other American Territories flagOther American Territories#272000#472001#572008

Popularity in Australia (NSW)

Australia (NSW) flagAustralia (NSW)#712001#992002#912004

Popularity in Ireland

Ireland flagIreland#1332021#2662022#2122023

Popularity in Quebec, Canada

Quebec, Canada flagQuebec, Canada#1422020#1442021#1832022

Popularity in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland flagNorthern Ireland#1492020#2372021#2662022

Popularity in England and Wales

England and Wales flagEngland and Wales#1842019#2322020#3302021

Popularity in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico flagPuerto Rico#4042013#2622014#2772015

Popularity in Scotland

Scotland flagScotland#2742021#3582022#3652023

Popularity in New Zealand

New Zealand flagNew Zealand#3452015#3962017#3922018

Popularity in Poland

Poland flagPoland#3832017#3742018#4192019

Popularity in Iceland

Iceland flagIceland#3912023

Popularity in Germany

Germany flagGermany#4602017#4712018#3912019

Popularity in Canada

Canada flagCanada#4932020#8482021#7052022

Popularity in Switzerland

Switzerland flagSwitzerland#5752016#8462017#9952021

Source: Social Security Administration (SSA) and Other National Sources

Is Megan a Name for Boys or Girls?

Megan is predominantly a name for girls. It has been widely used as a feminine name in Welsh, English, and American cultures.

Variants, Nicknames, Diminutives, and Ideal Middle Names for Megan

Megan in Famous People Names, Pop Culture, and Places

  • Megan Fox (Movie Actress, born 1986): An American actress known for her roles in "Transformers" and "Jennifer's Body."
  • Megan Thee Stallion (Rapper, born 1995): An American rapper and singer-songwriter, famous for hit songs like "Savage" and "WAP."
  • Megan Rapinoe (Soccer Player, born 1985): An American professional soccer player, known for her achievements with the U.S. Women's National Team and her activism.
  • Megan Mullally (TV Actress, born 1958): An American actress and singer, best known for her role as Karen Walker on the TV series "Will & Grace."
  • Megan Boone (TV Actress, born 1983): An American actress best known for her role as Elizabeth Keen on the TV series "The Blacklist."
  • Megan Hilty (TV Actress, born 1981): An American actress and singer, recognized for her performances in Broadway musicals and the TV series "Smash."
  • Megan Follows (Movie Actress, born 1968): A Canadian actress famous for her portrayal of Anne Shirley in the TV series "Anne of Green Gables."
  • Megan McKenna (Reality Star, born 1992): An English television personality and singer, known for her appearances on "Ex on the Beach" and "The Only Way Is Essex."
  • Megan Anna Rapinoe (Soccer Player, born 1985): A prominent American soccer player who captains OL Reign and has won numerous international titles with the U.S. National Team.
  • Megan Parker ("Drake & Josh," 2004 TV Show): The mischievous younger sister of Drake and step-sister of Josh, known for her clever pranks and sharp wit.
  • Megan Draper ("Mad Men," 2007 TV Show): The second wife of Don Draper, who is an aspiring actress with a complicated relationship with her husband.
  • Megan Hunt ("Grey's Anatomy," 2005 TV Show): The sister of Owen Hunt, a trauma surgeon with a resilient and caring nature.
  • Megan ("E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial," 1982 Film): A young girl who befriends the alien E.T. and helps him return home.
  • Megan ("My Little Pony," 1986 TV Show): A kind and brave human girl who helps the ponies of Ponyland in their adventures.
  • Megan Morse (Miss Martian, DC Comics): A superhero with shape-shifting abilities, part of the Teen Titans and later the Justice League.
  • Megan Smith ("Privileged," 2008 TV Show): A young Yale graduate who becomes a tutor for two wealthy teenage girls, navigating her own challenges while helping them.
  • Megan Calvet Draper ("Mad Men," 2010 TV Show): Don Draper’s second wife, known for her ambitions in acting and complex marriage with Don.
  • None

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