Morgan is a name of Welsh origin, derived from the ancient Welsh word "morgant," which means "sea-born" or "circumspect." This name has a rich history and was popularized by several notable figures throughout history.
The name Morgan first gained prominence during the early Middle Ages in Wales. It was borne by several Welsh princes and rulers, including Owain ap Cadwgan (d. 1078) and his son, Maredudd ap Owain (d. 1155), who were both prominent figures in Welsh history.
The name Morgan also has associations with Welsh mythology. In the tales of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, there is a knight named Sir Morganor or Morgan the Giant, who is depicted as a powerful and fearsome figure.
In more recent times, the name Morgan has been popularized by various celebrities and historical figures. For example, Morgan Freeman is a renowned actor who has won numerous awards for his work in films such as "The Shawshank Redemption," "Driving Miss Daisy," and "Million Dollar Baby." Additionally, Morgan Tsvangirai was a Zimbabwean politician and trade union leader who served as the Prime Minister of Zimbabwe from 2008 to 2013.
Today, Morgan is still a popular name for boys and girls alike. It has been consistently ranked among the top 1000 names in the United States since the late 19th century. Its popularity can be attributed to its unique sound, its historic significance, and its association with successful individuals throughout history. Overall, Morgan is a name that embodies strength, wisdom, and courage, making it an attractive choice for parents looking for a meaningful and memorable name for their child.
The name Morgan has seen a fascinating journey in popularity over the years in the United States. From its humble beginnings with only 5 births recorded each in 1918 and 1937, it slowly began to gain traction.
In the post-World War II era, we see a significant increase in babies named Morgan. The first notable spike occurred in 1946 with 11 births, followed by another spike in 1958 with 22 births. This trend continued into the 1960s and 1970s, with the number of annual births reaching triple digits consistently from 1969 onwards.
The name Morgan reached its peak popularity between the late 1980s and mid-1990s. In 1987, there were 2927 babies named Morgan, increasing to a staggering 10,655 in 1994. This high point was maintained for several years, with over 10,000 births recorded annually between 1993 and 1997.
However, after the mid-1990s, the popularity of the name Morgan began to decline steadily. By 2022, the number of babies named Morgan had decreased significantly to 1,245. This downward trend is expected to continue in the coming years.
In total, from 1918 to 2023, there have been 221,494 births recorded for the name Morgan in the United States. Despite its current lower popularity compared to its peak, it remains a classic and timeless name with a rich history of usage over the decades.