Megan
Megan first appears in US records in 1922. It peaked in 1990, when 20,259 girls were given the name; in 2025 there were 301.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is Megan popular?
Declining Megan is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 1990 peak.
| 2020s | 2,429 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 11,493 | |
| 2000s | 66,833 | |
| 1990s | 160,375 | |
| 1980s | 153,500 | |
| 1970s | 37,355 | |
| 1960s | 5,916 | |
| 1950s | 1,887 | |
| 1940s | 191 | |
| 1930s | 47 | |
| 1920s | 39 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Megan mean?
Megan is a Welsh pet form of Margaret, and so ultimately traces to the Greek margaritēs, “pearl.” Long a favourite in Wales, it spread widely across the English-speaking world.
Nicknames for Megan
- Meg
- Megs
Variants & spellings
- Meghan
- Meaghan
- Megyn
Names like Megan
Welsh names with a similar feel and popularity.
Names that pair well with Megan
Popular Welsh names for a sibling or a middle name.
Compare Megan
Explore related names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Megan mean?
Megan means Pearl. Megan is a Welsh pet form of Margaret, and so ultimately traces to the Greek margaritēs, “pearl.” Long a favourite in Wales, it spread widely across the English-speaking world.
What is the origin of the name Megan?
Megan is of Welsh origin.
How do you pronounce Megan?
Megan is pronounced “MEG-an.”
Is Megan a boy or a girl name?
Megan is most commonly used as a girl name.
Is Megan a popular name right now?
Megan is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 1990 peak.
How popular is the name Megan?
In 2025, Megan ranked #889 among girls’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Megan most popular?
Megan was most popular in 1990, when about 20,259 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What are common nicknames for Megan?
Common nicknames for Megan include Meg, Megs.
What names are similar to Megan?
Names similar to Megan include Reese, Gwen, Rhiannon, Elin, Carys.
What names go well with Megan?
Welsh names that pair well with Megan include Dylan, Morgan, Owen, Evan, Lynn.