Meghan - Explore Meaning, Origin, Popularity & Similar Names
Meaning of the Name Meghan
The name Meghan has a lovely and meaningful resonance. It primarily signifies pearl, symbolizing purity, beauty, and preciousness. In some contexts, it also denotes strong, reflecting qualities of resilience and fortitude. This name embodies the elegance and rarity of its meanings, making it treasured across various cultures and backgrounds.
Find more names related to the name Meghan.
Pearl,
Strong,
Beautiful,
Irish,
Celtic,
British,
Pronunciation of Meghan in Irish
ˈmɛɡən - Meghan
- /ˈm/: Begin with a soft sound like the 'm' in 'me'
- /ɛ/: Move to the short 'e' sound, as in 'bed'
- /ɡ/: Follow with a voiced 'g' as in 'go'
- /ə/: The 'a' is pronounced as a schwa, a soft 'uh'
- /n/: Conclude with a nasal 'n' sound, as in 'no'
For English speakers, pronounce Meghan as MEH-gən, with emphasis on the first syllable, pronounced like 'meg', and the second syllable being a lighter 'gən'.
Origin of the Name Meghan
The origin of the name Meghan is Irish. It is derived from 'Meghan,' a popular Anglicized form of 'Meghan' in Celtic tradition. Over time, this name has also been associated with the Welsh name 'Meghanad,' reflecting its deep-rooted significance in the British Isles, particularly among Irish and Welsh communities.
Gender Association of the Name Meghan
The name Meghan is predominantly female. Although traditionally used for girls, its melodic sound has occasionally found favor with boys in modern naming trends. In countries like the United States, Ireland, and Australia, it remains a popular choice for girls, highlighted by the presence of notable figures such as Meghan Markle.
Popularity of the Name Meghan
The name Meghan gained wide popularity in the late 20th century, especially in Western countries. In the United States, it frequently appeared on baby name charts from the 1980s to the early 2000s. Although its prevalence has stabilized over recent years, it continues to be a favored choice in regions such as the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Global Usage of the Name Meghan
The name Meghan is embraced globally, with varying pronunciations and spellings like 'Megan' or 'Meghanad' in Wales and England. It is particularly esteemed in English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia, noted for its blend of beauty and sophistication.
Global Distribution and Gender Ratio of the Name Meghan |
Country |
Usage % |
Female % |
Male % |
US |
94.49% |
99.74% |
0.26% |
CA |
2.58% |
100% |
0% |
GB |
0.43% |
100% |
0% |
AU |
0.22% |
100% |
0% |
BE |
0.22% |
100% |
0% |
Analysis of gender and popularity in various countries draws on data from
Gender API.
Characteristic Features of People Named Meghan
- Creative: People named Meghan often have a strong creative streak, expressing themselves through art, music, or writing.
- Empathetic: They are known for being highly empathetic, resonating deeply with the emotions and experiences of others.
- Resilient: Meghans tend to be resilient in the face of adversity, showing strength and perseverance.
- Intelligent: Many Meghans are recognized for their intellectual capabilities and love for learning.
- Charismatic: Their charm and engaging personalities often make them popular and well-loved in social circles.
Common Career Paths for People Named Meghan
- Creative Arts: Many Meghans find fulfilling careers in fields like music, theater, and visual arts where they can express their creativity.
- Healthcare: Some Meghans are drawn to professions in healthcare, driven by their empathetic natures.
- Education: Teaching and academia often attract Meghans, valuing knowledge sharing and learning.
- Leadership Roles: With their charisma and intelligence, Meghans often excel in leadership positions across various industries.
- Social Work: Their strong sense of empathy makes social work a rewarding choice for Meghans.
Unique and Interesting Characteristics of the Name Meghan
- Royal Association: The name gained global attention due to Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex.
- Pop Culture: Meghan has appeared in various movies and TV series, often depicted as a strong, intelligent character.
- Literary Presence: 'Meghan' features in numerous novels and poems, reflecting its literary appeal.
- Translation Variability: The name has different spellings and pronunciations worldwide, adding to its uniqueness.
- Historical Roots: Rooted in Celtic and Welsh traditions, the name carries a rich cultural legacy.
Famous People Named Meghan
- Meghan Markle: Actress and Duchess of Sussex, known for her role on 'Suits' and her marriage to Prince Harry.
- Meghan Trainor: Grammy-winning American singer-songwriter, famous for hits like 'All About That Bass.'
- Meghan McCain: American television personality and author, known for co-hosting 'The View.'
- Meghan Ory: Canadian actress, famed for her role in the TV series 'Once Upon a Time.'
Similar Names
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Meghanad: Derived from Irish roots, it shares meanings with Meghan like strong and pearl.
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Meghan: Names like Meghan often embody qualities such as resilience and purity.
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Morgan: This Welsh name conveys strength and is associated with the sea, akin to the strong nature of Meghan.
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Regan: An Irish name meaning little king, shares its Celtic origins with Meghan.
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Keegan: A strong name with Gaelic roots meaning small flame, resonating with Meghan’s origin.
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Teagan: Meaning attractive, this Irish name aligns with Meghan’s connotation of beauty.
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Shea: A unisex Irish name meaning admirable, paralleling Meghan’s positive traits.
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Aine: An Irish goddess name that stands for radiance and joy, closely aligning with Meghan’s desired features.
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Siobhan: Another Irish name meaning God is gracious, akin to the grace associated with Meghan.
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Tierney: This name means descendant of a lord and shares Meghan’s Irish heritage.