Meighan is a unique and captivating female given name of Irish origin. Derived from the Irish surname "Ó Miadhacháin," which translates to "descendant of the son of Madhachán," Meighan carries a rich historical background rooted in ancient Celtic culture.
The name Meighan is believed to have been brought to Ireland by the Gaels, a Celtic people who migrated to the island around the 4th century AD. Over time, the surname evolved and became associated with various regions across Ireland, particularly in County Mayo and Galway.
While there isn't a widely accepted meaning for the name Meighan as a given name, its association with the Irish surname "Ó Miadhacháin" suggests that it may have been derived from personal names such as Madhachán or Muircheartach, which translate to "honorable chief" and "noble ruler," respectively.
Meighan's unique sound and spelling make it a distinctive choice for parents seeking an uncommon yet meaningful name for their daughter. Its Irish origins provide a rich historical context, while its unusualness ensures that the bearer will stand out in a crowd.
Throughout history, there have been notable individuals named Meighan, including Meighan O'Kane, a Canadian actress known for her role in the TV series "Degrassi: The Next Generation." However, it is essential to note that the popularity of the name Meighan has remained relatively low, allowing it to retain its exclusivity and intrigue.
The name Meighan has seen varied popularity over the years in the United States, as reflected in these statistics of annual births between 1965 and 2003. The name's peak occurred in 1988 with a notable 43 births, marking a significant increase from previous years. However, it's important to note that even during this peak year, Meighan remained relatively uncommon compared to more popular names.
Between the years 1965 and 2003, there were a total of 564 babies named Meighan born in the United States. This figure illustrates the consistent, if not substantial, presence of the name over nearly four decades. Despite fluctuations in popularity, the name Meighan has maintained a steady, albeit modest, level of usage during this period.
These statistics highlight the unique journey of the name Meighan, demonstrating its ability to withstand trends and maintain a consistent, yet distinctive, presence among American baby names. While it may not have reached the heights of popularity enjoyed by some other names, Meighan has carved out its own niche in the landscape of American naming conventions over these years.