Origin
Origin & Etymology - The name Meagan is of Welsh origin, derived from the name Maegan or Meggan, which is a diminutive of Margaret. It has been in use in English-speaking countries since the 19th century. The name Margaret itself originates from the Greek 'Margaretēs', meaning 'pearl'. In Australia, the name was popularised during the post-war period, reflecting cultural ties to Britain and Wales.
Meaning
Meaning - 'Pearl'; as a personal name, it signifies purity and value. In Australian English contexts, it carries connotations of beauty and elegance, often associated with charismatic and gentle characters.
Pronunciation
/ˈmiːɡən/ (Mee-gun, with emphasis on the first syllable) - Stress pattern: MEE-gun, Australian English pronunciation typically retains the hard 'G' sound.
Variants & Nicknames
Variants
- Maegan
- Meggan
- Megan (more common spelling)
Nicknames
- Meags
- Meg
- Megs
Name Days
- 29 August (Saint Margaret's Day, commemorated in certain Christian calendars)
- 19 July (Māori celebration of Matariki, sometimes associated with naming festivals in Māori communities, though not specifically for Meagan)
- Optional: 15 May (Mother's Day in Australia, a common day for celebrating mothers named Meagan)
Name Pairings
Names that pair well with meagan:
- Charlotte and Matilda
- Lily and Ella','Grace and Sophie
- Siblings: Meagan and Daniel
Fun Facts
- Famous Australian bearers include Meagan Brain, a notable swimmer.
- The name gained popularity in Australia during the 1960s and 1970s, often linked to family heritage.
- In Australian pop culture, the name is associated with characters in local TV dramas.
Personality Traits
Common traits associated with the name meagan:
- Gentle
- Graceful
- Compassionate
- Charismatic
Aesthetic Qualities
The name has a soft, elegant visual appeal, with a balanced combination of vowels and consonants that makes it easy to write and visually attractive in Australian print and digital media.
Geographical Distribution
Most prevalent in urban centres such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, particularly among families with Welsh heritage or those favouring traditional English names.
Numerological Significance
The name Meagan corresponds to the number 7 in numerology, suggesting introspection, spirituality, and analytical qualities, aligning with the thoughtful and artistic stereotypes associated with the name.
Astrological Connections
No direct astrology association, but can be linked to zodiac signs such as Cancer or Virgo, which are considered nurturing and detail-oriented—traits often attributed to bearers of the name.
Historical Context
The name gained prominence in Australia through the influence of British and Welsh immigrants. It has been featured in Australian literature and media, often representing characters embodying qualities of kindness and strength.
Linguistic Adaptability
The name adapts easily across languages, often retained as Megan or Maegan in other English-speaking countries, with phonetic and spelling variations in non-Latin scripts.
Famous People Named meagan
- Meagan Brain (Australian swimmer)
- Meagan Good (American actress, popular in Australian media), though not Australian, has influenced Australian pop culture.
- Meagan Duhamel (Canadian figure skater, popular among Australian sports fans)
Popularity in Australia
Year | Count |
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2017 | 1 |