The Welsh feminine name Megan, meaning "pearl" (derived from the Greek "margarítēs"), is a diminutive of Margaret and remains a popular choice for women in Wales and England. Its popularity surged significantly in the English-speaking world during the 1990s, peaking in the United States in 1990 and the United Kingdom in 1999, with over half of those named Megan in the US born after this period.
The name often appears with variant spellings such as Meagan, Meaghan, Meghan, or Mehgan, especially outside the UK, influenced by Irish-language names. One of the most high-profile figures bearing the name is Meghan, Duchess of Sussex (born Rachel Meghan Markle in 1981), an American former actress and member of the British Royal Family. Other notable personalities include American news anchor Megyn Kelly and Scottish wheelchair racer Meggan Dawson-Farrell.