Megan is a popular name for girls that has been around for decades. The name has an interesting history and meaning that many people may not be aware of. In this article, we will explore the origin and meaning of the name Megan, as well as its popularity and famous people who share the name.
The name Megan is of Welsh origin and is derived from the name Margaret. Margaret means “pearl” in Greek, and Megan is a diminutive of Margaret, which means “little pearl.” The name Megan has been used in the English-speaking world since the middle of the 20th century and has become increasingly popular over time.
If you are considering naming your child Megan, it is important to understand the meaning behind the name and its popularity. By exploring the origin and meaning of the name Megan, you can gain a better understanding of this popular name and its significance.
Origin of the Name Megan
Megan is a popular feminine given name that has its roots in Celtic culture. The name Megan is derived from the Welsh name “Meg,” which is a diminutive of the name Margaret. Margaret comes from the Greek word “margarites,” which means “pearl.” As a result, Megan is often associated with the symbolism of pearls, which represent purity, innocence, and beauty.
Celtic Roots
In Celtic culture, the name Megan is believed to have originated from the Welsh name “Megan,” which means “little pearl.” The name is often associated with the story of Saint Margaret, a popular saint in Scotland who was known for her devotion to Christianity and her miraculous powers. The name Megan became popular in the English-speaking world outside of Wales during the middle of the 20th century.
Variations and Diminutives
Megan is a versatile name that has many variations and diminutives. Some of the most common variations of the name Megan include Meagan, Meaghan, Meghan, and Maeghan. These variations are often used in English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.
In Welsh culture, the name Megan is often shortened to “Meg,” which is a popular nickname for the name Margaret. Other diminutives of the name Megan include Mared and Meggie.
Overall, the name Megan is a beautiful and timeless name that has a rich history and cultural significance. Whether you choose to name your child Megan or one of its many variations, the name is sure to be a unique and meaningful choice.
Meaning of Megan
In Welsh
Megan is a Welsh feminine given name that is derived from the name Margaret. In Welsh, the name is often pronounced as “MEG-an” or “MEG-un.” The name is a diminutive form of the name Margaret, which means “pearl” in Greek. Megan is one of the most popular Welsh-language names for women in Wales and England, and is commonly shortened to Meg.
In English
In English-speaking countries, Megan is a name that is typically used as a full name rather than a nickname. The name has become increasingly popular since the middle of the 20th century. In English, the name is often pronounced as “MEEG-an,” “MAY-gan,” or “MEG-an.”
The name Megan is associated with qualities such as strength and ability. It is a name that is often given to girls who are seen as capable and determined. The name has been used by many famous women throughout history, including actresses Megan Fox and Megan Mullally.
Overall, the name Megan has a rich history and is a popular choice for parents looking for a strong and meaningful name for their daughter.
Popularity of the Name Megan
In the United States
Megan has been a popular name in the United States since the 1970s. In fact, it was one of the top 10 most popular names for baby girls in the 1980s. According to the Social Security Administration, Megan was ranked #463 in popularity in 2023, with 624 more babies named Megan than the previous year.
Internationally
Megan is also a well-known name internationally. It is a popular name in Wales, where it originated from, as well as in the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. However, it has not gained as much popularity in other parts of the world.
In terms of variations of the name, there are different spellings such as Meggan and Meagan, but Megan remains the most common spelling.
Overall, Megan has been a consistently popular name for baby girls in the United States for several decades and is recognized internationally as well.
Famous People Named Megan
Megan is a popular name and has been used by many famous individuals throughout history. Here are just a few examples:
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Megan Fox: An American actress and model, Megan Fox is known for her roles in movies such as Transformers and Jennifer’s Body. She has also been featured in magazines such as Maxim and FHM, and was named one of the “100 Sexiest Women in the World” by FHM in 2008.
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Megan Mullally: An American actress and singer, Megan Mullally is best known for her role as Karen Walker on the hit TV show Will & Grace. She has won two Primetime Emmy Awards for her performance on the show.
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Megan Rapinoe: An American professional soccer player, Megan Rapinoe has won numerous awards and accolades throughout her career. She has won two FIFA Women’s World Cups, two Olympic gold medals, and was named the Best FIFA Women’s Player in 2019.
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Megan Thee Stallion: An American rapper and songwriter, Megan Thee Stallion has become one of the most popular artists in the music industry. She has released numerous hit songs, including “Savage” and “WAP,” and has won several awards, including three BET Awards and two MTV Video Music Awards.
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Megan Markle: An American actress and member of the British royal family, Megan Markle is known for her role as Rachel Zane on the TV show Suits. She married Prince Harry in 2018 and became the Duchess of Sussex.
These are just a few examples of the many famous people named Megan. Each of these individuals has made a significant impact in their respective fields, and their success serves as inspiration for those who share the name.
Numerology of the Name Megan
Numerology is the study of numbers and their relationship with human life. It is believed that every name has a unique numerical value, which can be used to determine a person’s personality traits, strengths, and weaknesses. The name Megan has a numerology number of 22, which is considered a master number in numerology.
Destiny Number: The destiny number of the name Megan is also 22. This number signifies a person who has a strong sense of purpose and is determined to achieve their goals. They are also known for their leadership skills and ability to inspire others.
Inner Dream Number: The inner dream number of the name Megan is 7. This number signifies a person who is introspective and enjoys spending time alone. They are also known for their analytical and intellectual abilities.
Soul Urge Number: The soul urge number of the name Megan is 6. This number signifies a person who is nurturing and caring. They are also known for their ability to create harmony in their environment.
Personality Number: The personality number of the name Megan is 7. This number signifies a person who is intelligent, analytical, and introspective. They are also known for their ability to communicate effectively and their love for learning.
Overall, the numerology of the name Megan suggests a person who is determined, introspective, nurturing, and intelligent. It is important to note that numerology should not be used as a sole basis for making important life decisions, but rather as a tool for self-awareness and personal growth.
Traits of People Named Megan
Megan is a name that has been popular for decades and is still commonly used today. People named Megan are known for their unique personality traits that make them stand out from the crowd. Here are some of the most common traits of people named Megan:
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Friendly and Outgoing: Megan is a name that is associated with friendliness and outgoingness. People named Megan are often described as being warm and welcoming, making them great friends and companions.
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Creative and Artistic: Many Megans have a creative streak that makes them talented artists, writers, musicians, or designers. They have a natural talent for expressing themselves through their work and often have a unique perspective on the world.
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Confident and Assertive: Megans are often confident and assertive, which helps them achieve their goals and stand up for themselves when necessary. They are not afraid to speak their minds and are often seen as natural leaders.
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Independent and Self-Sufficient: People named Megan are often independent and self-sufficient, preferring to rely on themselves rather than others. They are capable of taking care of themselves and are not afraid to take risks or try new things.
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Compassionate and Empathetic: Megans have a strong sense of compassion and empathy, making them great listeners and supportive friends. They are often the first to offer a helping hand or a shoulder to cry on.
Overall, people named Megan are known for their friendly, creative, confident, independent, and compassionate personalities. These traits make them great friends, partners, and leaders, and contribute to their overall success in life.