Tegan Unisex
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: TEH-gun /ˈtɛɡən/
Origin: Welsh; Irish
Meaning: Welsh: beautiful; Irish: poet
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Tegan has its roots in the Welsh language, deriving from the word "teg," which means "fair" or "beautiful." This etymology reflects a common theme in Welsh names, where aesthetic qualities are often emphasized. The name has evolved through various forms, with its earliest usages appearing in Wales, where it was traditionally used as a feminine given name.
The transition of Tegan into English occurred as the Welsh language and culture began to influence neighboring regions, particularly during the Middle Ages when the Anglo-Norman influence permeated British society. Historically, Tegan can be linked to notable figures in Welsh folklore and literature, although specific historical milestones are less documented compared to more prominent names.
The name gained some recognition in the 20th century, particularly in literature and media, which helped to solidify its presence in English-speaking contexts. The name's association with beauty and fairness has contributed to its appeal, resonating with cultural values that celebrate these attributes.
In terms of cultural resonance, Tegan embodies a sense of grace and charm, often associated with the rich traditions of Welsh storytelling and mythology. The name is sometimes linked to the concept of a "fair maiden" in various narratives, reinforcing its positive connotations.
Additionally, diminutive forms such as Teg or Teggy may arise in familial or affectionate contexts, though they are less commonly documented. Overall, Tegan stands as a name that encapsulates both linguistic heritage and cultural significance, reflecting the enduring nature of Welsh names in the broader tapestry of English nomenclature.
Famous people named Tegan
In this section, you will find notable people named Tegan. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Tegan who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Tegan who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.
Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.
Tegan Quin is a musician best known for being part of the duo Tegan and Sara, known for albums like The Con and Heartthrob.
Tegan Moss is an actress best known for her roles in The Good Son, Ice Princess, and The Secret of the Nutcracker.
Fictional characters named Tegan
The following list of fictional characters named Tegan is a work in progress. If you would like to suggest an additional character, please send us the character's name along with a brief, one-sentence description of what they are best known for.
You may also submit corrections, which we will review and update as quickly as possible.
Tegan Jovanka is a fictional character from the TV series Doctor Who. She is a companion of the Fourth and Fifth Doctors, known for her strong will and determination.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Tegan, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
Similar names
Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Tegan. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Tegan was first seen in the United States in 1957.
Tegan has ranked as high as #999 nationally, which occurred in 2011, and has been most popular in California, Texas, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Florida.
In the past 5 years the name Tegan has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Tegan is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Tegan was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Top States for Tegan (2024)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. In some cases, you may see four or five states listed. However, we only display states where the name represents a significant percentage of births, so the number of states shown can range from one to several.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 10 | |
| OH | 6 | |
| TX | 6 | |
| NC | 5 | |
| FL | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Tegan.
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 94 |
| 2023 | 110 |
| 2022 | 125 |
| 2021 | 165 |
| 2020 | 185 |
| 2019 | 204 |
| 2018 | 236 |
| 2017 | 270 |
| 2016 | 308 |
| 2015 | 286 |
| 2014 | 324 |
| 2013 | 304 |
| 2012 | 253 |
| 2011 | 350 |
| 2010 | 275 |
| 2009 | 257 |
| 2008 | 244 |
| 2007 | 173 |
| 2006 | 145 |
| 2005 | 145 |
| 2004 | 138 |
| 2003 | 137 |
| 2002 | 94 |
| 2001 | 109 |
| 2000 | 91 |
| 1999 | 80 |
| 1998 | 78 |
| 1997 | 78 |
| 1996 | 72 |
| 1995 | 62 |
| 1994 | 57 |
| 1993 | 61 |
| 1992 | 72 |
| 1991 | 62 |
| 1990 | 93 |
| 1989 | 107 |
| 1988 | 85 |
| 1987 | 107 |
| 1986 | 112 |
| 1985 | 129 |
| 1984 | 82 |
| 1983 | 47 |
| 1982 | 30 |
| 1981 | 38 |
| 1980 | 40 |
| 1979 | 58 |
| 1978 | 31 |
| 1977 | 28 |
| 1976 | 22 |
| 1975 | 9 |
| 1974 | 5 |
| 1973 | 9 |
| 1972 | 11 |
| 1968 | 8 |
| 1967 | 6 |
| 1957 | 5 |