Megan

Pearl — a girl name of Welsh origin

GenderGirl
OriginWelsh
MeaningPearl
PronunciationMEG-un

Popularity of Megan in the United States

#889Rank in 2025
301Births in 2025
#10 in 1985Peak Popularity
↓ Declining10-Year Trend

Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.

Meaning & Origin of Megan

Megan is a Welsh diminutive of Margaret, meaning "pearl," formed by combining "Meg" with the Welsh diminutive suffix "-an." It remained largely confined to Wales until the mid-20th century, when it spread throughout England and then the United States, becoming enormously popular from the 1970s through the 1990s. The name has been carried by numerous notable women, including Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, whose alternate spelling has drawn global attention. Megan's crisp, cheerful sound and Welsh pedigree have secured its place as a beloved modern classic.

Megan Around the World

Megan is used in 3 languages worldwide, with 7+ international variants.

Languages
EnglishDutchWelsh
Details

TypeFemale given name

International Variants
Meghan
Megyn
MaeganEnglish
Meghann
MeghynEnglish
MeganaHindi
Meighan

Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.

Nicknames for Megan

MegMeggie

Famous People Named Megan

  • Meghan Markle — Duchess of Sussex and former actress
  • Megan Thee Stallion — American rapper
  • Megan Fox — American actress

Similar Names to Megan

If you like Megan, you might also consider these names with a similar feel.

Also consider:MeghanErinBridget

Sibling Name Ideas for Megan

Looking for names that pair well with Megan? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Megan mean?

Megan is a girl name of Welsh origin meaning "Pearl." Megan is a Welsh diminutive of Margaret, meaning "pearl," formed by combining "Meg" with the Welsh diminutive suffix "-an." It remained largely confined to Wales until the mid-20th century, when it spread throughout England and then the United States, becoming enormously popular from the 1970s through the 1990s.

How do you pronounce Megan?

Megan is pronounced MEG-un. Common variations include Meghan, Meagan, Meaghan.

Is Megan a girl name?

Yes, Megan is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Meg, Meggie.

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