Meagan is a female given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Irish name Margaret, which means "pearl". The name Margaret has been used since the Middle Ages and was particularly popular among European royalty during that time.
The name Meagan first appeared in English-speaking countries in the late 19th century, but it did not gain widespread popularity until the mid-20th century. Today, Meagan is considered a modern variant of Margaret and is often used as an alternative spelling or pronunciation of the classic name.
Despite its Irish origins, Meagan has been adopted by many different cultures around the world. It is currently ranked among the top 1,000 most popular names for girls in several countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
In terms of naming trends, Meagan has seen varying levels of popularity over the years. In the United States, for example, it peaked in popularity during the late 1980s and early 1990s, reaching its highest rank of #247 in 1992. Since then, its usage has declined somewhat, but it remains a recognizable and beloved name among many families.
Overall, Meagan is a charming and timeless name with a strong connection to Irish heritage and history. Its meaning, "pearl", makes it an appealing choice for parents who want to give their daughter a beautiful and meaningful name with a classic yet modern feel.
The statistics presented show the annual number of births with the name Meagan in the United States from 1954 to 2023. The data demonstrates a clear trend of increasing popularity for the name until it peaked in the late 1980s and early 1990s, after which its usage gradually declined.
From just 6 births in 1954, the number of newborn girls named Meagan increased significantly over the years. By 1983, there were over 1100 babies named Meagan in a single year, reaching a peak of nearly 2600 births in 1989. This popularity continued into the early 1990s, with over 2000 births each year from 1987 to 1994.
However, after 1994, the number of Meagans born annually began to decrease steadily. By the late 1990s and early 2000s, fewer than 1000 babies were being named Meagan each year. This trend continued into the 2010s, with less than 100 births per year from 2012 onwards.
Despite the decline in recent years, the overall total number of girls born and named Meagan in the United States between 1954 and 2023 is notable, with a combined total of 41,535 births. This statistic highlights the name's significant impact on American naming trends during its peak popularity and serves as an interesting historical record of baby naming preferences over time.
In conclusion, these statistics provide valuable insights into the changing trends of baby names in the United States. The rise and fall of Meagan as a popular name illustrate how cultural tastes can shift over decades, reflecting the evolving preferences of parents during different eras.