MORGAN
Morgan
Origin and Meaning: Morgan is a British surname of Welsh origin, derived from the Old Welsh name "Morcant," meaning "sea defender" or "sea chief." The name has ancient Celtic roots and is a common surname in Wales.
History: The Morgan surname has a long history in Britain, particularly in Wales. It is believed to have originated from the descendants of the Welsh King Morgan ap Hywel in the 9th century. The Morgans were known for their bravery and leadership in battle, and the name became associated with nobility and status in Welsh society.
Distribution and Popularity: The surname Morgan is widespread in Wales and is also found in other English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States, Australia, and Canada. It is among the most common surnames in Wales and is considered a symbol of Welsh heritage and identity.
Notable Bearers:
- Henry Morgan: Welsh privateer and pirate who operated in the Caribbean during the 17th century.
- Morgan Freeman: American actor known for his roles in films such as "The Shawshank Redemption" and "Driving Miss Daisy".
- Sarah Morgan: British novelist and author of the popular novel "The Civil War Diary of a Southern Woman".
Variations: Variations of the Morgan surname include Morgans, Morgen, Morganstern, and Morganson.
Coat of Arms: The Morgan family coat of arms typically features symbols such as lions, crosses, and heraldic shields, representing strength, faith, and family heritage.
Legacy: The Morgan surname continues to be a prominent and respected name in British and Welsh history, reflecting the proud heritage of the Welsh people. It is a reminder of the bravery, resilience, and leadership qualities associated with the Morgan family lineage.
References:
- Reaney, P.H., & Wilson, R.M. (1997). A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press.
- Morgan, P. (2012). The Story of Wales. Penguin Books.
There are approximately 117,405 people named Morgan in the UK. That makes it the 41st most common surname in Britain. Around 1,803 in a million people in Britain are named Morgan.
Surname type: From given name or forename
Origin: Celtic
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: Wales
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: Welsh
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Robert
Female
- Claire
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Nicola
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Morgans
- Margan
- Margans
- Margain
- Margani
- Margand
- Morga
- Morgana
- Morgane
- Maragoni
- Marcan
- Marcano
- Marcon
- Marcone
- Marconi
- Marga
- Margam
- Marganiec
- Margante
- Margon
- Marican
- Marigan
- Markan
- Marken
- Markin
- Markon
- Markun
- Marquina
- Marrigan
- Marroquin
- Marugan
- Maugan
- Maughan
- Meerkin
- Mehregan
- Mercan
- Meregan
- Merga
- Mergan
- Merghani
- Merican
- Merigan
- Merkin
- Merrigan
- Merriken
- Merrikin
- Mirakian
- Mirgan
- Mirghani
- Mirken
- Mirkin
- Moraghan
- Moran
- Morana
- Morani
- Morcan
- Morcon
- Moregan
- Morgain
- Morgam
- Morgand
- Morgann
- Morgant
- Morgante
- Morgantel
- Morganti
- Morgantroy
- Morgar
- Morgas
- Morghan
- Morgin
- Morgon
- Morgun
- Morican
- Moriconi
- Morigan
- Morkan
- Morkane
- Morken
- Morkin
- Mornan
- Moroghan
- Morrigan
- Mourgan
- Murga
- Murgan
- Murkean
- Murken
- Murkin
- Murricane
- Murugan
- Maragan
- Mehrgan
- Mirga
- Morgen
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.