Megan Riley

Name meaning, origin and global statistics

Megan Riley — pearl
228K People worldwide
United States Most common in
1970s Peak popularity
Gender
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Megan Riley is a name combining Latin origins, bringing together "pearl" (Megan) with "courageous" (Riley). The first name Megan is a feminine given name of Latin origin. Megan is a Welsh feminine given name, originally a diminutive form of Margaret. Margaret is from the Greek μαργαρίτης (margarítēs), Latin margarīta, "pearl". Megan is one of the most popular Welsh-language names for women in Wales and England, and is commonly truncated to Meg. Megan was one of the most popular feminine names in the English-speaking world in the 1990s, peaking in 1990 in the United States and 1999 in the United Kingdom. Approximately 54% of people named Megan born in the US were born in 1990 or later. The surname Riley: Riley is a surname of English origin, as well as an Anglicized version of an Irish surname. The name has the meaning "rye clearing", or is from one of several placenames, including High Riley in Accrington, Lancashire, and in Devon. In the United Kingdom Census 1881, more than a third of Rileys were in Lancashire; it was most prevalent in the east of the county and over the boundary into the Calder Valley in Yorkshire, and the name could be found in these areas from the 13th century. The name is also an Anglicized version of the Irish surname O'Reilly. Megan is a well-known first name, carried by approximately 228K people globally, with the highest concentration in United States. The name Megan reached peak popularity in the 1970s, reflecting the naming trends of that era.

Etymology & Origin

First Name: Megan

Meaning: pearl

Latin

Megan is a Welsh feminine given name, originally a diminutive form of Margaret. Margaret is from the Greek μαργαρίτης (margarítēs), Latin margarīta, "pearl". Megan is one of the most popular Welsh-language names for women in Wales and England, and is commonly truncated to Meg. Megan was one of the most popular feminine names in the English-speaking world in the 1990s, peaking in 1990 in the United States and 1999 in the United Kingdom. Approximately 54% of people named Megan born in the US were born in 1990 or later.

Surname: Riley

Meaning: courageous

Irish

Riley is a surname of English origin, as well as an Anglicized version of an Irish surname. The name has the meaning "rye clearing", or is from one of several placenames, including High Riley in Accrington, Lancashire, and in Devon. In the United Kingdom Census 1881, more than a third of Rileys were in Lancashire; it was most prevalent in the east of the county and over the boundary into the Calder Valley in Yorkshire, and the name could be found in these areas from the 13th century. The name is also an Anglicized version of the Irish surname O'Reilly.

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Geographic Distribution

The first name Megan is distributed across the globe, with the highest concentrations in the following countries:

United States 51%
United Kingdom 27%
Australia 12%
Canada 9%

Popularity Over Time

Popularity of the name Megan by decade, based on birth registration data:

1900s
1910s
1920s
1930s
1940s
1950s
1960s
1970s
1980s
1990s
2000s
2010s
2020s
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Notable People Named Megan Riley

People listed above share this name. Listed for informational purposes only. Source: Wikipedia.

Numerology

According to Pythagorean numerology, each letter in a name carries a numerical value. Here are the key numbers for Megan Riley:

1
Expression Number

Leadership and independence. This number suggests a self-reliant, ambitious and pioneering personality that forges its own path.

2
Soul Urge Number

Cooperation and sensitivity. A diplomatic, gentle nature with strong empathy, thriving in partnerships and harmony.

8
Personality Number

Ambition and material success. Represents power, business acumen and the drive to achieve significant goals.

Numerology is a cultural tradition for exploring symbolism in names. Results are for entertainment purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the origin of the first name Megan?
The first name Megan originates from Latin. Megan is a Welsh feminine given name, originally a diminutive form of Margaret. Margaret is from the Greek μαργαρίτης (margarítēs), Latin margarīta, "pearl". Megan is one of the most popular Welsh-language names for women in Wales and England, and is commonly truncated to Meg. Megan was one of the most popular feminine names in the English-speaking world in the 1990s, peaking in 1990 in the United States and 1999 in the United Kingdom. Approximately 54% of people named Megan born in the US were born in 1990 or later.
When was Megan most popular?
The name Megan reached its peak popularity during the 1970s.
What is the origin of the surname Riley?
The surname Riley originates from Irish. Riley is a surname of English origin, as well as an Anglicized version of an Irish surname. The name has the meaning "rye clearing", or is from one of several placenames, including High Riley in Accrington, Lancashire, and in Devon. In the United Kingdom Census 1881, more than a third of Rileys were in Lancashire; it was most prevalent in the east of the county and over the boundary into the Calder Valley in Yorkshire, and the name could be found in these areas from the 13th century. The name is also an Anglicized version of the Irish surname O'Reilly.
What are the origins of the name Megan Riley?
The name Megan Riley combines two different traditions: the first name Megan has Latin roots, while the surname Riley originates from Irish.
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