Find out how popular the first name Morgan has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Morgan by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Morgan is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 87% of people named Morgan being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 1,245 female babies and 527 male babies born with the name Morgan.

The history of the first name Morgan

The name Morgan has its origins in the Welsh language and culture. It is derived from the Old Welsh word "morcant" or "morían," which means "sea-born" or "circling sea." The name was initially used to describe someone who lived near the sea or made a living from the sea.

In ancient Welsh mythology, Morgan was the name of a famous enchantress and a powerful figure associated with the realm of the fairies. She was often depicted as a healer and a protector of women, and her name carried connotations of wisdom, magic, and mystery.

The name Morgan first appeared in historical records in the 12th century, during the time of the Norman conquest of England. One of the earliest recorded individuals with this name was Morgan ap Caradog, a Welsh prince and military leader who lived in the late 12th century.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Morgan. One of the most famous was Morgan le Fay, a powerful enchantress and the half-sister of King Arthur in Arthurian legend. She was a complex figure, sometimes portrayed as a villain and other times as a benevolent healer and protector.

Another famous Morgan was Morgan Mwynfawr, a 6th-century Welsh prince and warrior who was renowned for his bravery and leadership in battles against the invading Saxons. His name, which means "Morgan the Gentle," suggests that he was respected for his chivalry and valor on the battlefield.

In the 16th century, Morgan Llwyd (1619-1659) was a Welsh poet and minister known for his religious and patriotic poetry. His works celebrated Welsh culture and language and played a significant role in preserving the nation's literary heritage.

During the American Revolutionary War, Morgan Morgan (1688-1766) was a prominent Welsh-American pioneer and military leader. He served as a colonel in the Continental Army and played a crucial role in several battles, including the Battle of Cowpens.

Another notable figure was Morgan Traherne (1636-1686), a Welsh poet and priest who wrote influential works on mysticism and spiritual enlightenment. His poems and writings explored themes of divine love, unity with nature, and the interconnectedness of all things.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Morgan was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Morgan, please contact us.

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