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 experienced significant popularity growth over time. Starting with just 5 births each in 1918 and 1937, it peaked at 1447 births in 2021, a high of over 289 times the original figure. The most notable increase began in the late 1970s and continued into the early 1990s, with the highest number of Morgan births occurring in 1993 with 10655 babies. Since then, the popularity has steadily declined, reaching its current level in 2023 with 1245 births. Overall, from 1918 to 2023, there have been a total of 221494 Morgan births recorded.