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Meaghan

Girl name · 35 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Meaghan: 35 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 8 births in 1997.

Of Irish and Scottish Gaelic origin, Meaghan is a variant of Megan, itself a diminutive of Margaret, which ultimately derives from the Greek *margaritēs*, meaning "pearl." This spelling rose to prominence in the late 20th century, offering a more phonetic twist than the standard Megan. The most famous bearer is undoubtedly Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, though she uses the "ghan" spelling as well. While no major places bear the name, the root name Margaret has inspired countless towns and landmarks worldwide. Interestingly, the "Meaghan" spelling saw a significant spike in popularity in Scotland during the 1990s, mirroring trends in the US and Canada, before declining steeply in the 2000s.