Meaghan

Pronounced: MAY-guhn

Meaning: Pearl

Gender: Girl
Origin: Gaelic
Language: Irish (Modern)

What does Meaghan mean?

Meaghan is an Irish spelling variant of a name that ultimately comes from the old Greek word for a precious gem. In practice the name carries the simple, familiar idea of a pearl, an image of something small, valued and luminous.

As a given name Meaghan has a warm, approachable tone. It sits between the timeless feel of Margaret and the contemporary friendliness of forms such as Meghan, so it often feels both familiar and slightly distinctive. Parents who like names that sound classic but look a little different often find Meaghan appealing.

❤️ Why Parents Choose This Name

It offers a classic meaning with a less common Irish spelling that feels distinctive.
The sound is familiar and easy to say while the spelling gives a touch of individuality.
It shortens naturally to several friendly nicknames, giving flexibility across life stages.
The name pairs well with both traditional and modern middle names.
It honours the long history of the Margaret family of names without being the exact same form.
It suits a range of styles, from cosy and sweet to poised and refined.

Historical Context

The story of Meaghan starts with the widespread medieval name Margaret, which itself comes from the Greek word μαργαρίτης (margarítēs) meaning pearl. That form travelled across Europe in various guises, becoming Marguerite in French, Margherita in Italian and many others. In the British Isles the name was adopted early and produced a number of regional spellings and diminutives.

In Ireland and among Irish communities, forms such as Máiréad and Máire were used alongside anglicised variants. Meaghan is a modern anglicised spelling that echoes Irish orthography while aligning with English pronunciation. It became more visible in the late 20th century as parents looked for familiar names with a regional twist. It is therefore both part of the long Margaret lineage and a contemporary Irish-inflected choice.