Meghan is a Welsh form of Margaret, ultimately meaning pearl.
Meghan is a modern spelling in the long lineage of Margaret, a name that ultimately comes from the Greek margarites, meaning “pearl.” Through Latin and medieval European languages, Margaret produced a remarkable number of variants and pet forms, and in Welsh one of the best known was Megan. Meghan emerged as a later spelling variant, especially in the English-speaking world, preserving the Welsh sound while giving it a distinct visual identity.
It is a good example of how traditional names often renew themselves through spelling rather than through entirely new roots. The name gained noticeable momentum in the late twentieth century, particularly in the United States, where Meghan and Megan became emblematic of a certain generation. Its public profile was strengthened by notable bearers in entertainment, sports, and public life, including Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, whose visibility added a new layer of glamour and scrutiny to the name.
Earlier literary associations still linger indirectly through Margaret’s long history of saints, queens, and heroines, but Meghan itself tends to feel contemporary, approachable, and slightly Celtic. Over time, its perception has shifted from fresh and youthful to established and familiar, though the extra “h” still gives it a more tailored, less generic impression than Megan for some parents. Beneath its modern polish, Meghan remains rooted in one of Europe’s oldest and most adaptable feminine name traditions.