MallowbyNames

Megan

MEG-ən · Megan is a Welsh diminutive of Margaret, meaning 'pearl'.

2025 rank (girls)
#887
Babies named in 2025
301
Peak popularity
1985
2025 frequency
1 in 5,340 girls
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Declining since 1986

Declining since 1986, #887 for girls today.

Popularity of Megan since 1922

Babies named Megan per year in U.S. Social Security records.

6.8k13.5k20.3k19602000Most births 1990Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1920s39
1930s47
1940s191
1950s1,887
1960s5,916
1970s37,355
1980s153,500
1990s160,375
2000s66,833
2010s11,493
2020s2,429

Meaning & origin

Megan is a Welsh name with deep roots, derived from Margaret and meaning 'pearl'. It emerged as a given name in its own right and gained traction in the United States starting in the mid-20th century. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1922, but its real surge came decades later. Megan peaked in 1985, when it was a top 20 name for girls, reflecting its widespread popularity during that era. Since 1986, however, usage has steadily declined, and by 2025, Megan ranked 887th, with approximately 1 in 5,340 baby girls receiving the name. Despite this fall, Megan retains a classic yet friendly feel, often associated with down-to-earth charm. Its current strongest states are Florida, Utah, and New Jersey, suggesting regional pockets of continued affection. The decline mirrors a broader shift away from names that were ubiquitous in the 1980s, but Megan remains recognizable and well-loved.

Megan originated as a Welsh pet form of Margaret, derived from the Greek margaritēs meaning 'pearl'. The name developed independently in Wales before spreading to English-speaking countries, where it gained significant popularity in the 20th century. It has been consistently used as a given name since at least the early 1900s and saw a dramatic rise in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s, peaking in 1985.

Where Megan 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.

2020s
Fewermore per 100k girlstoo few births

Megan” around the world

Where Megan lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.

  • France

    5

    babies in 2024

  • Ireland

    11

    babies in 2025

Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Meg, Meggie, Megs

Variants: Meghan, Meagan, Meaghan, Megyn, Meggan

Sibling names for Megan

Names that share Megan's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Lauren, Rachel, Amy, Jessica, Ashley, Alison, Allison, Amie, Angie, Ashlyn, Briana, Bridgette, Brittney, Carly, Cassie, Colleen, Crystal, Dana, Erika, Erin, Haley, Heather, Hillary, Jenna, Jillian, Kailey, Kaitlyn, Kelli, Kelly, Kelsey, Kendra, Krista, Kristen, Kristin, Lacey, Laurie, Lauryn, Leslie, Lindsay, Lindsey, Nikki, Shana, Shanna, Shelby, Shelly, Taryn, Tiffany, Trisha, Wendy, Whitney, Abbey, Alishia, Allyson, Alysha, Andra, Ashely, Ashli, Ashlie, Ashly, Breana, Breann, Breanne, Breeanna, Bridgett, Britany, Britney, Britny, Brittani, Britteny, Brittni, Brittnie, Bryana, Caitlin, Caitlyn, Carisa, Carleigh, Carley, Catrina, Cayla, Chelsey, Christen, Ciera, Cori, Cortney, Danni, Deidra, Eryn, Gwen, Gwyneth, Hailie, Hayley, Jackeline, Jacklyn, Jaclyn, Jaimee, Jaimie, Jammie, Janessa, Jasmyn, Jayme, Jena, Jenelle, Jenessa, Jessi, Jordin, Julianne, Kacie, Kaitlin, Kaley, Kalyn, Karie, Karly, Kasie, Kassie, Katelin, Katelyn, Katlin, Katlyn, Kayleen, Kayley, Kaytlyn, Keily, Keli, Kellee, Kelley, Kellie, Kelsi, Keri, Kerri, Kierra, Kimberli, Kirstin, Kori, Kourtney, Kristan, Kristyn, Krysta, Kyrsten, Leigh, Linsey, Lora, Loryn, Lyndsey, Lynette, Lynsey, Markie, Nicki, Nikole, Reanna, Rhiannon, Shaina, Shalyn, Shannan, Shanon, Shavon, Shawna, Shayla, Shelbi, Shyann, Stacie, Tayler, Tori, Tracie, Trista, Allissa, Allyn, Alyshia, Amberlee, Amberlynn, Amiee, Aryn, Ashlea, Ashlei, Audrea, Aundrea, Bethanne, Breeana, Breeann, Breyanna, Briann, Brianne, Briauna, Britani, Britnee, Britni, Brittan, Brittaney, Brittny, Brookelynn, Caitlynn, Carie, Carys, Casie, Cassey, Catelyn, Catlin, Chanell, Ciarra, Corie, Cristie, Deserae, Diedre, Ellyn, Erinn, Glynis, Gwenda, Gwenyth, Gwyn, Gwynne, Jaymee, Jaymi, Jaymie, Jenee, Jeni, Jenica, Jerrica, Jesika, Jessyca, Kaileigh, Kaily, Karena, Katelynne, Katilyn, Kaycie, Keanna, Keirsten, Kellyann, Kellyn, Kelsy, Kierstin, Kimberlie, Kimberlyn, Kirstyn, Krislyn, Krysten, Krystin, Kyley, Kyli, Kymberly, Kyrstin, Laurin, Leesa, Leighanne, Leisha, Lindsy, Lyndee, Lyndsay, Lyndsie, Macayla, Mackayla, Madysen, Magen, Makaela, Marti, Micki, Mindi, Morghan, Nicol, Raeanne, Rayann, Rayanne, Rheanna, Robynn, Shalynn, Shannah, Shannen, Shaunda, Shavonne, Shawnna, Shela, Shonna, Tashina, Tausha, Taylar, Teanna, Teegan, Terrica, Teryn, Tommi, Torrie, Trish, Vannessa, Whittney, Ailen, Alacia, Aleasha, Alisyn, Allicia, Allyse, Alyissa, Asheley, Ashle, Ashlye, Bevin, Breahna, Breianna, Briahna, Brianah, Brieanne, Brigett, Britanie, Brithany, Britnie, Brittainy, Brittanny, Brittini, Bronwen, Bryann, Caitlan, Catelynn, Catlyn, Caycee, Channell, Chavon, Chrislyn, Chrislynn, Cortni, Cortnie, Courtni, Courtny, Crissa, Dacey, Dereka, Elen, Emlyn, Errin, Glenys, Glynnis, Jaimy, Jamielynn, Jamy, Jamye, Jennilee, Jesslynn, Jessyka, Jilian, Jolissa, Kaaren, Kaetlyn, Kalene, Kamie, Karee, Karlynn, Karrigan, Karys, Karyssa, Kassondra, Katee, Kateland, Kathyleen, Kayleena, Kaylinn, Kayloni, Kaylynne, Kayte, Kealey, Kelcy, Kelliann, Kellianne, Kellyanne, Kelyn, Kendrea, Keriann, Kerra, Kerriann, Kerrianne, Kerrin, Kimberlin, Kimberlynn, Kimbley, Kirstan, Koree, Korri, Korrin, Kortni, Kortnie, Kourtni, Krystan, Krystie, Krystyn, Kurstin, Kyann, Kyleen, Kymberlee, Kymberli, Laren, Laury, Leandrea, Leeana, Lessly, Liann, Lindee, Lindsi, Linzi, Lorren, Lyndsi, Lyndsy, Lynnsey, Lynsi, Lynsie, Lynzee, Lynzi, Lynzie, Machaela, Maddisyn, Maeghan, Maghan, Mallary, Melenie, Meloney, Meloni, Michae, Mikenna, Morgyn, Nacole, Nikkie, Nikkita, Nikkole, Ragen, Ramie, Rashel, Reann, Rheannon, Rhian, Sallyann, Seren, Shaena, Shaney, Shanie, Sharday, Sharissa, Sharna, Shawndra, Shawnette, Shawnie, Sheana, Sheilla, Shelsy, Sherly, Sheyanne, Shyan, Siani, Stephaney, Tarryn, Tarynn, Teghan, Terin, Tiegan, Tiffney, Timberly, Toree, Tyann, Whitnie, Wynette, Allanna, Amberlie, Amye, Amylynn, Analyssa, Ashleyann, Ashleymarie, Ashleynicole, Bethanny, Betheny, Breanah, Breeanne, Breunna, Britne, Brittane, Brittiney, Brittne, Bryttani, Bryttany, Caitlen, Cariann, Carrin, Casee, Cathlyn, Caytlin, Chelise, Cortny, Courtlyn, Dashana, Deeana, Denea, Deryn, Destaney, Dreanna, Eilyn, Falen, Genae, Glynna, Gracemarie, Gweneth, Gwenneth, Gwynneth, Hallee, Hilari, Jacci, Jacklynn, Jamielyn, Jamilee, Jaquelynn, Jayni, Jeidy, Jenalee, Jenin, Jenisha, Jennae, Jeny, Jerika, Jesscia, Jeymi, Jilliann, Johnnae, Jonee, Jyllian, Kaitlen, Kaitlinn, Kaitlyne, Kaliann, Karrin, Karrina, Kassidie, Katelan, Katelynd, Kathelyn, Kathlynn, Katilynn, Katlyne, Katryn, Kayann, Kayti, Kaytie, Keitha, Kelie, Kellye, Kerilyn, Kerryn, Keryn, Keslie, Khrista, Kimela, Korissa, Kortnee, Korynn, Krisa, Kristell, Kristyl, Kylea, Kymberlie, Leslieann, Lindsee, Lindzey, Lorrin, Lynnett, Macaela, Madisun, Malloree, Maloree, Maryl, Maryssa, Mckaela, Mckaylah, Meagon, Meggin, Meghin, Melondy, Molley, Nickol, Nikie, Raeana, Raquell, Rickelle, Ryana, Samanthajo, Shallon, Shannin, Shauni, Shavaughn, Shawni, Sheala, Taffany, Tailer, Tamber, Teighan, Alishea, Briggette, Britiany, Chelesa, Jamilynn, Jessaca, Shavonn, Shellye, Staphany, Alisen, Allesha, Alysen, Amberlea, Ashey, Ashlley, Aylssa, Bekah, Bethannie, Brandilynn, Breean, Brentney, Brettany, Briane, Britainy, Britanee, Britaney, Brittony, Briunna, Brytney, Brytni, Caitlinn, Caree, Carely, Caytlyn, Chelcey, Chelci, Chellie, Chellsea, Chelsye, Cheridan, Chrisma, Christiann, Courtnei, Crickett, Crystalann, Crysten, Danniell, Danyle, Deamber, Deannah, Devanee, Devann, Erandy, Eryca, Erynne, Haly, Hilliary, Hollyanne, Jenesa, Jennfier, Jenyfer, Jessice, Jillyn, Jyssica, Kaityln, Karess, Karilynn, Karle, Karynn, Katelee, Kateline, Katilin, Kayline, Kelicia, Kelsha, Kenlyn, Kerensa, Kerrilyn, Kery, Keyshla, Khristen, Kimberlly, Kimblery, Kimbly, Korynne, Kourtnei, Krisi, Krystn, Kyleeann, Kyleigha, Kymberley, Lauralynn, Leslea, Linday, Linsie, Lorynn, Lynsay, Lynsee, Mackensey, Makaelah, Makayle, Makinna, Malonie, Meggen, Meigan, Mikhala, Nickola, Nicloe, Nikky, Rachelann, Reanne, Rhiann, Rhiannan, Samanth, Sarahlynn, Shaiann, Shainna, Shalae, Shannia, Shawneen, Shelaine, Sheray, Shoni, Stevey, Tagan, Tamberly, Tashianna, Taylormarie, Teandra, Ticia, Tiffanni, Tiffay, Toniya, Trachelle, Whittany

Brothers: Ryan, Justin, Jason, Matthew, Brian, Adam, Aidan, Allen, Barry, Brad, Brady, Branden, Brandon, Brenden, Chris, Colin, Conner, Corey, Cory, Craig, Darren, Devin, Devon, Dillon, Douglas, Dustin, Dwayne, Erick, Garrett, Jared, Jarrett, Johnathon, Kevin, Kyle, Lloyd, Mathew, Matt, Neal, Neil, Patrick, Randall, Ross, Scott, Shane, Shaun, Shawn, Travis, Trevor, Trey, Arron, Aydan, Bradly, Brandan, Brenton, Bret, Britt, Bryon, Collin, Cyle, Dallen, Danell, Daren, Darian, Darin, Daron, Davin, Dedric, Derik, Devan, Deven, Donnell, Dustan, Garett, Garren, Howell, Jarett, Jarod, Jaron, Jarred, Jarrod, Jerod, Jestin, Keaton, Kegan, Kelvin, Ken, Kenton, Keven, Kevon, Kirk, Kurtis, Mykel, Reece, Reggie, Rhys, Trace, Trever, Tristin, Zachery, Zackary, Zackery, Bradlee, Bradon, Brain, Brandin, Brannon, Brendon, Brendyn, Brien, Byran, Chadrick, Christan, Christon, Darick, Darrian, Darryn, Daryn, Daulton, Deegan, Derrek, Derric, Derrik, Dylon, Gareth, Glendon, Glyn, Griffith, Jarad, Jaret, Jarid, Jarrad, Jarren, Jarron, Jasen, Javin, Jaycen, Jaycob, Jerad, Jered, Jerrad, Jerron, Justen, Justyn, Kaydin, Kenney, Kennth, Kenrick, Kieth, Kollin, Llewellyn, Marquette, Mychael, Mychal, Mykal, Powell, Shan, Stefon, Terron, Trevis, Trystan, Tyrel, Vaughan, Aaren, Andrick, Bevan, Bradd, Brannan, Brenten, Briant, Calob, Carvin, Chaun, Chrishawn, Christion, Collen, Collyn, Correy, Dallan, Dallon, Damean, Damin, Daran, Dason, Davyn, Deaven, Degan, Derren, Derrin, Deryk, Deveon, Devron, Dillian, Duron, Duston, Dylen, Ehren, Erek, Gerren, Gerrod, Ivor, Jaeson, Jamien, Jarrid, Jarrin, Jaryd, Jeran, Jerek, Jerick, Jerin, Jerren, Jerret, Jerrid, Jerrin, Jevin, Jhony, Justan, Kaven, Keenen, Keevin, Keivon, Kenn, Keron, Khris, Kile, Koran, Makell, Merwyn, Mykael, Obrian, Owyn, Parry, Ravon, Rees, Roben, Seanmichael, Seann, Shann, Shaughn, Shaune, Shawne, Sion, Tarren, Teran, Terren, Thimothy, Trevian, Tylyn, Tyrie, Yostin, Alanmichael, Alwyn, Atthew, Berwyn, Braian, Brenon, Brentt, Brevan, Bryen, Cevin, Chaddrick, Chadwin, Chawn, Creg, Dairon, Dalin, Darran, Desmin, Devonn, Dreden, Dyron, Garreth, Gerod, Gerrad, Gwin, Jaisen, Jaremy, Jassen, Jasyn, Jeret, Jerett, Jerrion, Johsua, Jonan, Joshuan, Kandon, Kayron, Keagon, Keegen, Keil, Kendan, Kerron, Kevyn, Korry, Machael, Mardy, Markey, Mechel, Mickell, Mitchael, Mithcell, Pryce, Rhydian, Seanpaul, Seon, Shawan, Shawndale, Shelden, Shonn, Terris, Tevyn, Timathy, Timohty, Treg, Tryone, Wyn, Zackari, Bradrick, Ryun, Shanen, Shuan, Teren, Brandonn, Branndon, Briyan, Calvyn, Criag, Darrek, Darric, Datron, Derec, Deryck, Deshannon, Devinn, Emyr, Eryck, Garan, Jaysin, Jhordan, Johnryan, Jowan, Justun, Kalvyn, Kayren, Keland, Kelwin, Korrey, Lamarco, Lloyde, Marke, Mayjor, Miken, Morgon, Morrie, Mycheal, Owain, Rodgerick, Shawnn, Steaven, Tymel

Names like Megan

Names whose popularity has moved with Megan's over the last 50 years.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

M is for Megan, our favorite little girl.

M is for Megan…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Megan's letter becomes Megan's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Megan's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does Megan mean?
Megan means 'pearl', as it is a Welsh diminutive of Margaret, which comes from the Greek word for pearl.
How popular is Megan?
In 2025, Megan ranked 887th in the United States, given to about 1 in 5,340 baby girls. It has been falling in popularity since 1986.
Is Megan a boys' or girls' name?
Megan is almost exclusively used for girls.