Meagen

Meaning & origin

Meagen is a modern respelling of Megan, a name that rose to prominence in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s. According to Social Security data, Meagen first appeared in records in 1970 and reached its highest popularity in 1985. In that peak year, the name was given to a small number of babies, reflecting its niche appeal. Despite not ranking in the top 1,000 names in 2025, the variant spelling Meagen has maintained a steady but low-level presence, with a trajectory that can be described as stable. The name is predominantly used for girls and has no strong regional concentration in the United States. The spelling Meagen, while less common than Megan or Meghan, offers a distinctive alternative for parents seeking a familiar sound with a unique look.

Meagen is a phonetic respelling of Megan, which itself is a Welsh diminutive of Margaret. Margaret derives from the Greek margarites, meaning 'pearl', via Latin margarita. The name became popular in Wales and then throughout the English-speaking world. The spelling Meagen emerged in the late 20th century, likely influenced by the popularity of Megan in the 1970s and 1980s.