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Morgan Unisex

Popularity: #257 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationMOR-gun / /ˈmɔːrɡən/

Welsh; English

Meaning

Welsh: sea circle; English: bright, shining

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Morgan has its roots in the ancient Welsh language, derived from the elements "mor" meaning "sea" and "gan" meaning "born of" or "from." This etymology suggests a literal interpretation of Morgan as "born of the sea" or "sea-born." The name was originally used as a masculine given name in Wales, but over time, it has evolved into a unisex name, gaining popularity for girls particularly in the English-speaking world. The transition into English occurred through the Norman influence in the 11th century, as the Normans brought many Welsh names into wider usage following their conquest of England.

Historically, the name Morgan has been associated with notable figures, including the legendary Morgan le Fay, a powerful enchantress in Arthurian legend, who is often depicted as a complex character with both benevolent and malevolent traits. The popularity of Arthurian tales during the medieval period, particularly in the 12th century with works like Geoffrey of Monmouth's "Historia Regum Britanniae," helped to cement the name's place in cultural consciousness. Additionally, the name appears in various forms in literature and folklore, contributing to its enduring legacy.

Culturally, Morgan has been embraced in various traditions, often symbolizing strength and independence. The name has been used in various contexts, from literature to modern media, reflecting a sense of versatility and adaptability. In some cases, the diminutive form "Morgie" has been affectionately employed, although it is less common in historical texts. Overall, Morgan's rich linguistic roots and historical significance have contributed to its lasting resonance across cultures and eras.

Trend Summary

Morgan has seen fluctuating popularity in the United States, peaking in the 1990s and remaining a well-recognized name.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Morgana
  • Morgaine

International Variants

  • Morgane (French)
  • Morgana (Italian)

Famous people named Morgan

Morgan Freeman is an actor and narrator best known for The Shawshank Redemption, Million Dollar Baby, and Driving Miss Daisy.

Morgan Wallen is a country music singer and songwriter best known for his albums If I Know Me, Dangerous: The Double Album, and his hit singles like Whiskey Glasses.

Morgan Fairchild is an actress best known for her roles in Falcon Crest, Dallas, and the soap opera Days of Our Lives.

Morgan Spurlock is a documentary filmmaker best known for Super Size Me, Where in the World Is Osama Bin Laden?, and The Greatest Movie Ever Sold.

Morgan Saylor is an actress best known for her role in Homeland, as well as her work in the film White Girl.

Morgan Parker is a poet and author best known for her poetry collections There Are More Beautiful Things Than Beyoncé and Magical Negro.

Fictional characters named Morgan

Morgan le Fay is a fictional character from Arthurian legend and various adaptations. She is often portrayed as a powerful sorceress and antagonist to King Arthur and his knights.

Morgan Edge is a fictional character from DC Comics, particularly in Superman stories. He is a media mogul and often serves as an adversary to Superman, using his influence to manipulate public perception.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Morgan was first seen in the United States in 1918. Morgan has ranked as high as #59 nationally, which occurred in 1995, and has been most popular in Texas, California, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York. In the past 5 years the name Morgan has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Morgan (2024)

StateBirthsShare
TX 106
10%
CA 105
10%
OH 60
6%
GA 49
5%
PA 45
4%
FL 45
4%
NY 43
4%
NC 40
4%
WA 39
4%
IL 38
4%
VA 38
4%
NJ 34
3%
IN 30
3%
CO 30
3%
MA 30
3%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19185
19375
19446
194611
19495
19505
195112
19526
19537
195411
195516
195612
195710
195822
195915
196026
196133
196214
196321
196443
196544
196634
196742
196835
196962
197075
197180
197258
197391
197495
1975114
1976144
1977211
1978258
1979443
19801,061
19811,768
19821,716
19831,658
19842,175
19852,283
19862,477
19872,928
19883,796
19894,426
19906,047
19916,794
19927,789
19938,573
199410,655
199510,877
199610,295
199710,342
199810,217
19999,607
20009,502
20018,735
20028,433
20037,928
20047,295
20056,749
20066,495
20075,665
20085,333
20094,611
20104,076
20113,672
20123,403
20133,116
20143,006
20152,688
20162,339
20171,927
20181,759
20191,649
20201,491
20211,447
20221,383
20231,247
20241,141