Meagen is a unique and distinctive name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic name "Magain," which means "pearl." The name has a rich history in Irish mythology, as it was the name of one of the three goddesses of Irish mythology known as the "Morrígan."
The Morrígan were considered to be powerful and terrifying figures who could take on various forms. They were associated with sovereignty, war, and death, and were often depicted as crow-like creatures or as warrior women. Meagen is believed to have been one of these goddesses, and her name has become associated with strength, power, and courage.
Despite its Irish origins, the name Meagen has also gained popularity in other parts of the world, particularly in English-speaking countries like the United States and Canada. It has been used as a girls' name for centuries but has only recently begun to gain widespread recognition and use outside of Ireland.
Today, people with the name Meagen are often drawn to its unique sound and its rich historical significance. While it may not be one of the most common names in the world, those who bear it can take pride in knowing that they share a name with a powerful goddess from Irish mythology.
The name Meagen has had a varied history of popularity in the United States over the past five decades. Between 1970 and 2009, there were a total of 1,182 babies named Meagen born in the U.S.
During the early 1970s, the name was quite rare, with fewer than ten births per year recorded between 1970 and 1974. However, starting in 1975, there was a significant increase in popularity for the name Meagen. That year saw 18 newborn girls given this name, marking the beginning of a steady rise in its usage.
By 1976, the number of births had jumped to 19, and it continued to climb throughout the late 1970s, reaching a peak of 31 births in 1980. This trend persisted into the early 1980s, with over 40 Meagen babies born each year between 1982 and 1985.
The mid-1980s were particularly popular for the name Meagen, with a record-breaking 92 births in 1985. This was followed by another peak of 73 births in 1984, indicating that Meagen was at its most popular during this time.
However, like many names, Meagen's popularity began to decline after the mid-1980s. From 1986 onwards, the number of yearly births steadily decreased until it reached a low point of six births per year between 2003 and 2007.
Despite this decrease in popularity, Meagen has maintained some level of usage throughout recent years. Between 2008 and 2019, there were an average of ten babies named Meagen born each year in the United States.
In conclusion, while the name Meagen has seen fluctuations in its popularity over time, it remains a unique and recognizable choice for parents looking to give their daughter a distinctive name. Its varied history of usage reflects the ever-changing trends in baby naming and offers insights into the preferences of American parents during different decades.