Meghan is a feminine given name of English origin. It is derived from the Irish surname "Ó Méighn" or "Ó Miadhacháin," which means "son of the peaceful" or "son of the pleasant." Over time, this surname has evolved into a given name for females.
The name Meghan gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the late 20th century. It first appeared on the Social Security Administration's list of most popular baby girl names in the United States in 1984, reaching its peak popularity in 1987 at number 365. Today, it continues to be a widely recognized and used name throughout many English-speaking countries.
One notable figure associated with the name Meghan is Meghan Markle, an American actress who became a member of the British royal family following her marriage to Prince Harry in 2018. Despite this recent connection, the popularity of the name Meghan predates her public life and has been used consistently over several decades.
In summary, Meghan is a feminine given name of Irish origin that means "son of the peaceful" or "son of the pleasant." It gained popularity in English-speaking countries during the late 20th century and remains widely recognized today. Although it is most famously associated with Meghan Markle, its usage as a female given name has been consistent for many years.
The name Meghan has seen a varied level of popularity over the years in the United States, with fluctuations in birth rates from year to year. From 1974 to 1990, there were at least six births per year, with the highest being 22 births in 1984. After a gap in the statistics for several years, Meghan saw another surge in popularity with eight births in 1995 and six births in 2001. Although the number of births decreased to seven in 1994 and eight in 2004, it is clear that the name Meghan has maintained a consistent presence among newborns throughout these years.
In total, there were 227 babies named Meghan born in the United States between 1974 and 2004. This steady presence over several decades suggests that Meghan remains a recognizable and popular choice for parents looking for a distinctive name with a timeless appeal. As the statistics show, while its popularity may have ebbed and flowed over time, the name Meghan has consistently been a favorite among American parents.