Meaning & History
Meaghan is a variant spelling of the Welsh feminine given name Megan, which itself originated as a diminutive of Margaret. The name Margaret derives from the Greek word μαργαρίτης (margarítēs), meaning "pearl", ultimately borrowed from an Indo-Iranian source. This variant spelling, along with Meagan and Meghan, reflects the influence of Irish-language orthography and became particularly common outside of Wales and the United Kingdom.
Etymology and History
The name Margaret entered the Christian world through Saint Margaret, a 4th-century martyr from Antioch, whose legends—including an escape from a dragon—made her a popular figure in medieval art. She is the patron saint of expectant mothers. The name Margaret has been widely used since the Middle Ages and was the top name for girls in England and Wales in the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s, though it declined in the latter half of the 20th century.
Cultural Significance
Megan itself became one of the most popular feminine names in the English-speaking world during the 1990s, peaking in the United States in 1990 and in the United Kingdom in 1999. The spelling Meaghan, like its variant Meghan (Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, is a notable bearer), contributes to the name's enduring popularity. These alternate spellings have become particularly associated with Irish and broader Celtic revival trends.
- Meaning: Variant of Megan, ultimately from Greek μαργαρίτης ("pearl")
- Origin: Welsh diminutive of Margaret via Megan
- Type: Given name (feminine)
- Usage Regions: English-speaking countries, especially outside Wales and the UK
Related Names
Sources: Wikipedia — Megan