The Boy’s Name Morgan
The boy’s name Morgan is a popular name in Wales and also across the the globe. In Wales, it is common to hear Morgan both as a first name and also as a surname.
The name Morgan is also found in the Welsh place, Morgannwg (the county of Glamorgan in English).
Origin and Meaning of the Name Morgan
The name Morgan is generally interpreted to mean “sea-born,” “sea-circle,” or “sea-defender.” These meanings reflect Wales’ strong connection to the sea and maritime traditions.
Morgan is a traditional Welsh name with ancient Celtic roots. It’s derived from the Old Welsh elements “mor” meaning “sea” and “cant” meaning “circle” or “complete,” though some sources suggest it may also be related to “mor” (sea) and “gen” (born).
Another meaning of the name Morgan is broken down into two words, M^or (which means sea in Welsh) and Mawr (which means big (or bright) in Welsh).
Popularity
Morgan has enjoyed widespread popularity both as a given name and surname, not only in Wales but throughout the English-speaking world. It’s notable for its use as both a male and female name, though traditionally it was more common for boys in Wales. In recent decades, it has become increasingly popular as a girl’s name in some countries, particularly the United States.
In 2021, Morgan was the 88th most popular boys name in Wales according to the ONS.
Famous People with the Name Morgan
Here are a few examples of famous people who have the name Morgan:
- Morgan le Fay: A powerful enchantress in Arthurian legend, often portrayed as King Arthur’s half-sister.
- Captain Henry Morgan (1635-1688): A Welsh privateer who later became the Lieutenant Governor of Jamaica. Captain Morgan has a popular Rum named after him.
- Rhodri Morgan – Was the 1st Minister in the National Assembly of Wales.
- Morgan Freeman (b. 1937): An acclaimed American actor known for his distinctive voice and numerous film roles.
- Morgan Tsvangirai (1952-2018): A Zimbabwean politician who served as Prime Minister of Zimbabwe.
- Morgan Lily (b. 1999): An American actress known for her roles in various films and TV series.
If you are interested in more Welsh names or are looking for a name for your baby you will find a lot of great information on our website.