Declining since 2002.
Popularity of Meg since 1941
Babies named Meg per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 97 |
| 1950s | 857 |
| 1960s | 1,343 |
| 1970s | 658 |
| 1980s | 389 |
| 1990s | 846 |
| 2000s | 878 |
| 2010s | 221 |
| 2020s | 32 |
Meaning & origin
Meg reached its peak rank in 1959, reflecting the mid-century popularity of Margaret and its diminutives. Since 2002, the name has been on a declining trajectory. It remains a familiar but uncommon choice, with no representation among top states in recent data. Meg has not appeared in the national rankings for several years, indicating it is now rarely given as a standalone name. Its simplicity and literary associations, particularly with Louisa May Alcott's character Meg March from 'Little Women' (1868), give it a classic, understated appeal.
Meg originated as a medieval English nickname for Margaret, which itself derives from the Greek margarites, meaning 'pearl'. The name Margaret was popularized in England after the Norman Conquest, and Meg emerged as a common diminutive alongside Maggie and Peg. Meg was used independently by the 19th century and saw peak popularity in the 1950s.
Where Meg is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Meggie
Sibling names for Meg
Names that share Meg's style, for a brother or sister.
