Rising since 1995, #2,719 for girls today.
Popularity of Morrigan since 1995
Babies named Morrigan per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 85 |
| 2000s | 322 |
| 2010s | 423 |
| 2020s | 309 |
Meaning & origin
Morrigan is a name rooted in Irish and Celtic mythology, borne by a powerful goddess of war, fate, and sovereignty. While the name first appeared on U.S. records in 1995, it remained rare until the 2010s; as of 2025 it ranks 2719th, with about 1 in 25,512 girls receiving the name. Its popularity has risen steadily, particularly in Washington, Texas, and California, and it reached its peak rank in 2023. The name's modern appeal owes much to the growing interest in mythologically inspired names and fantasy genres, but it retains an ancient, formidable character. Despite its association with a pagan deity, Morrigan has been adopted by families across a broad spectrum of cultural backgrounds, drawn either to its strong sound or its legendary resonance.
Morrigan is derived from the Old Irish name Mórrígan, typically analyzed as mór 'great' and rígan 'queen', though some scholars propose connections to 'phantom' or 'terror'. In Irish mythology, she was a goddess of war and fate, often appearing as a crow or raven. The name saw revival in modern times, particularly in the late 20th century, influenced by fantasy literature and neopagan interest.
Where Morrigan is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Morgan, Morri, Rigan
Variants: Morrígan, Mórrígan, Morrigu
Sibling names for Morrigan
Names that share Morrigan's style, for a brother or sister.
