Megan Girl
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: MEG-uhn //ˈmɛɡən//
Origin: Welsh; Greek
Meaning: Welsh: pearl; Greek: great
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Megan is of Welsh origin, derived from the diminutive form of the name Margaret, which itself comes from the Greek word 'margaritēs', meaning 'pearl'. The transition from Greek to Latin occurred as 'margarita', which was then adopted into Old French as 'Marguerite'.
The Welsh form, 'Megan', emerged in the Middle Ages, particularly gaining traction in Wales, where it was often used as a pet form of Margaret. This linguistic evolution reflects the broader cultural exchanges that occurred in Britain through the Norman Conquest and subsequent interactions between Welsh and English speakers.
Historically, the name Megan has been associated with various notable figures and events. One significant milestone is its use in the context of Welsh literature and folklore, where it appears in various texts from the 12th century onward.
The name gained further recognition through the influence of saints, particularly Saint Margaret of Antioch, who was venerated in medieval Christianity. The name's presence in religious texts and its association with purity and virtue contributed to its enduring appeal in Welsh culture and beyond.
Culturally, Megan has resonated with themes of beauty and grace, often symbolized by its connection to pearls. The name's simplicity and melodic quality have allowed it to endure through centuries, making it a favored choice in various contexts.
Additionally, the name has been embraced in literature and the arts, further solidifying its place in cultural consciousness. The diminutive 'Meg' has also been used historically, reflecting a more intimate or affectionate form of the name, which has been present in English literature since at least the 17th century.
Famous people named Megan
Megan Fox is an actress best known for Transformers, Jennifer's Body, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Megan Rapinoe is a soccer player best known for winning the FIFA Women's World Cup and Olympic gold medal.
Megan Mullally is an actress best known for Will & Grace, Parks and Recreation, and Megan Mullally and Nick Offerman: Summer of 69.
Megan Hilty is an actress and singer best known for Smash, Wicked, and 9 to 5: The Musical.
Megan Thee Stallion is a rapper best known for Hot Girl Summer, Savage, and Body.
Megan Follows is an actress best known for Anne of Green Gables, The Royal Diaries, and Reign.
Megan Park is an actress and filmmaker best known for The Secret Life of the American Teenager, The Fallout, and The Christmas Chronicles.
Fictional characters named Megan
Megan is a fictional character from the film Megan Leavey. She is a Marine who forms a strong bond with a military working dog during her deployment in Iraq.
Megan is a fictional character from the TV series The Office. She is a minor character who works in the office and is known for her interactions with the main cast.
Sibling suggestions
Similar names
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Megan was first seen in the United States in 1922.
Megan has ranked as high as #34 nationally, which occurred in 1990, and has been most popular in California, Texas, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Illinois.
In the past 5 years the name Megan has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Megan (2024)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| TX | 62 | |
| FL | 58 | |
| CA | 39 | |
| NY | 25 | |
| PA | 11 | |
| NC | 11 | |
| AZ | 10 | |
| NJ | 10 | |
| GA | 10 | |
| IL | 10 | |
| VA | 9 | |
| TN | 8 | |
| CO | 8 | |
| IN | 7 | |
| OH | 7 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1922 | 7 |
| 1923 | 13 |
| 1924 | 7 |
| 1926 | 5 |
| 1927 | 7 |
| 1930 | 5 |
| 1931 | 7 |
| 1933 | 7 |
| 1934 | 8 |
| 1935 | 7 |
| 1936 | 7 |
| 1939 | 6 |
| 1940 | 9 |
| 1942 | 12 |
| 1943 | 21 |
| 1944 | 16 |
| 1945 | 24 |
| 1946 | 22 |
| 1947 | 29 |
| 1948 | 28 |
| 1949 | 30 |
| 1950 | 61 |
| 1951 | 86 |
| 1952 | 119 |
| 1953 | 156 |
| 1954 | 153 |
| 1955 | 198 |
| 1956 | 197 |
| 1957 | 258 |
| 1958 | 301 |
| 1959 | 358 |
| 1960 | 364 |
| 1961 | 402 |
| 1962 | 391 |
| 1963 | 432 |
| 1964 | 512 |
| 1965 | 608 |
| 1966 | 655 |
| 1967 | 709 |
| 1968 | 813 |
| 1969 | 1,031 |
| 1970 | 1,268 |
| 1971 | 1,500 |
| 1972 | 1,587 |
| 1973 | 2,021 |
| 1974 | 2,818 |
| 1975 | 4,192 |
| 1976 | 4,464 |
| 1977 | 5,320 |
| 1978 | 5,897 |
| 1979 | 8,293 |
| 1980 | 9,134 |
| 1981 | 8,966 |
| 1982 | 9,518 |
| 1983 | 14,124 |
| 1984 | 16,984 |
| 1985 | 20,012 |
| 1986 | 18,591 |
| 1987 | 17,823 |
| 1988 | 18,570 |
| 1989 | 19,780 |
| 1990 | 20,259 |
| 1991 | 19,278 |
| 1992 | 17,842 |
| 1993 | 16,385 |
| 1994 | 16,580 |
| 1995 | 15,530 |
| 1996 | 14,770 |
| 1997 | 14,244 |
| 1998 | 13,256 |
| 1999 | 12,229 |
| 2000 | 11,436 |
| 2001 | 10,300 |
| 2002 | 9,210 |
| 2003 | 7,800 |
| 2004 | 6,687 |
| 2005 | 5,856 |
| 2006 | 4,945 |
| 2007 | 4,124 |
| 2008 | 3,416 |
| 2009 | 3,058 |
| 2010 | 2,406 |
| 2011 | 1,915 |
| 2012 | 1,561 |
| 2013 | 1,246 |
| 2014 | 1,064 |
| 2015 | 853 |
| 2016 | 750 |
| 2017 | 631 |
| 2018 | 565 |
| 2019 | 499 |
| 2020 | 453 |
| 2021 | 490 |
| 2022 | 399 |
| 2023 | 416 |
| 2024 | 369 |