Morgan
Meaning: Sea circle, great brightness, or sea defender
Origin: Welsh
Gender: Unisex
Rank in New Zealand: #314
Total births: 2,557
History: Morgan has been cherished across the South Island, from Christchurch to Queenstown's alpine lakes. The name evokes a landscape of glaciers, fiords, and golden tussock under wide Canterbury skies. Morgan carries the resilience and beauty of Te Waipounamu.
Explore more at New Zealand Baby Names on BabyNa.me
Look at the data
Every number here comes directly from New Zealand’s birth records. No estimates, no averages — just the counts.
| Current rank (2024) | #477 |
| Babies named Morgan in 2024 | 10 |
| Total recorded in New Zealand | 2,557 |
| Peak year | 1992 (68 babies) |
| Highest rank ever | #63 |
| Years in records | 1960–2024 (57 years of data) |
| Change over last 5 years | ↓ 115 spots |
| Gender breakdown | 50% boys / 50% girls |
Frequently asked about Morgan
What does the name Morgan mean?
Morgan means “Sea circle, great brightness, or sea defender” from Welsh roots.
What is the origin of the name Morgan?
Morgan has Welsh origin. The traditional meaning is “Sea circle, great brightness, or sea defender”.
How popular is Morgan in New Zealand?
Morgan ranked #477 in New Zealand in 2024 — given to 10 babies that year.
When was Morgan most popular?
Morgan peaked in 1992 with 68 babies registered that year in New Zealand.
Is Morgan a boy or girl name?
Morgan is used for both boys and girls. In the records, about 50% of Morgans are boys and 50% are girls.
Is the name Morgan rising or falling in popularity?
Morgan has fallen 115 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years in New Zealand — from #362 in 2019 to #477 in 2024.
How long has Morgan been recorded in New Zealand?
Morgan appears in birth records in New Zealand across 57 years — from 1960 through 2024.