Meaning & History
Meghann is a variant of Megan, a Welsh feminine given name that originated as a diminutive of Margaret. The name Margaret ultimately derives from the Greek word μαργαρίτης (margarítēs), meaning 'pearl', which itself was likely borrowed from an Indo-Iranian language.
In the English-speaking world, the name Meghann emerged as an alternative spelling of the more common Megan, reflecting an attempt to distinguish the pronunciation or to align with other variant forms such as Meagan, Meaghan, and Meghan. This particular spelling gained a degree of recognition through Australian author Colleen McCullough's novel The Thorn Birds (1977), where Meghann is the name of one of the central characters. The novel was adapted into a highly successful American miniseries in 1983, introducing the name to a wider audience.
Margaret, from which all these forms derive, has a rich history. It was borne by several saints, most notably Saint Margaret of Antioch, the patron of expectant mothers, who was martyred in the 4th century. According to later medieval legends, she miraculously escaped from a dragon, which made her a frequent subject in art. The name's popularity in the Christian world led to its widespread use throughout Europe. As an English name, Margaret was especially popular from the Middle Ages onward, having been the top girl's name in England and Wales during the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s before declining in the latter half of the 20th century. Other famous historical figures include Queen Margaret I of Denmark, who united the Scandinavian kingdoms in the 14th century, and more recent notable bearers such as anthropologist Margaret Mead and British prime minister Margaret Thatcher. In literature, Margaret Mitchell and Margaret Atwood have further solidified the name's legacy.
Megan, the immediate precursor to Meghann, surged in popularity in the English-speaking world during the 1990s, and many American women named Megan or its variants were born after 1990. A high-profile figure with a similar spelling is Meghan, Duchess of Sussex (born Rachel Meghan Markle).
Variants and related forms of Meghann are numerous and span different cultures; for example, Spanish Margarita, Portuguese Margarida, Swedish Margareta, and other diminutives like Meg (a common pet form) and spellings Maegan, Mergan, or its variant Maegen.
- Meaning: Pearl (via Margaret)
- Origin: Welsh diminutive of Margaret, ultimately from Greek
- Type: Variant (spelling) of Megan
- Usage regions: English-speaking world, especially Australia and the United Kingdom
- Related names: Megan, Meghan, Margaret, Meg
Related Names
Sources: Wikipedia — Megan