While it began as a strongly masculine name in ancient Ireland, Teagan has evolved into a predominantly feminine favorite in the United States, though it remains a viable gender-neutral option. It feels sporty, friendly, and unpretentious.
Verdict: Teagan is a fantastic choice for a baby born in 2025. It offers the “sweet spot” of being recognizable and easy to spell without being overwhelmingly common, making it perfect for parents seeking a name that feels established but not overused.
Teagan Overview
- Meaning: Attractive and worldly.
- Gender: Teagan is a unisex name.
- Origin: Teagan has Gaelic roots and comes from ancient Ireland.
- Pronunciation: “Tee-gun”
- Popularity: Teagan is not too common, but was in the top 200 names in 2016.
- Nicknames: Tea, Teag.
- Variations: Teaghan, Tegan, Teegan.
- Namesakes: Tegan Heesch, Tegan Clive, and Teagan Croft.
What Does Teagan Mean?
Teagan is a name rich with artistic and intellectual subtext. While many baby name books simply list the meaning as “attractive” or “beautiful,” the true etymology is far more interesting for parents who love history.
The name is derived from the Gaelic name Tadhg (pronounced like “Tige” at the start of “tiger”). The literal translation of Tadhg is “poet” or “philosopher” (1). In ancient Irish culture, a bard or poet was a person of high status, entrusted with preserving history and law through oral tradition. Therefore, naming a child Teagan imparts a sense of wisdom, storytelling ability, and creativity.
There is also a Welsh connection through the name Tegan, which is derived from the word teg, meaning “fair,” “beautiful,” or “darling.” Consequently, the name Teagan carries a dual meaning: it signifies inner wisdom (the poet) and outer beauty (the fair one).
Where Does the Name Teagan Come From?
Teagan is the Anglicized version of the Irish surname Ó Tadhgáin, which means “descendant of Tadhg.”
The root name, Tadhg, was incredibly popular in medieval Ireland. It was borne by several Kings of Connacht and princes of Munster. It was so ubiquitous that, much like “Paddy” later became a slang term for an Irishman, “Tadhg” was once used to describe the quintessential Irish commoner (often in the phrase “Tadhg an mhargaidh,” meaning “Tadhg of the market”).
As Irish families immigrated and Anglicized their names, the surname Ó Tadhgáin evolved into Teagan. Over the last few decades, it made the linguistic leap from a surname to a given name. While Tadhg remains a strictly male name in Ireland, the Anglicized Teagan has flourished as a unisex option, particularly favoring girls in North America.
How Popular is the Name Teagan?
Teagan is a modern success story that has transitioned from a trendy newcomer to a steady staple. It was virtually unheard of in the US prior to the 1990s. As Americans developed a fascination with Irish surnames (like Ryan, Riley, and Connor), Teagan caught the wave, skyrocketing in popularity.
According to Social Security Administration data (2), Teagan peaked around 2016, sitting comfortably inside the Top 150. Since then, it has cooled slightly, moving out of the “trendy” zone and into the “established” zone.
It is no longer rising meteorically, which is good news for parents who want to avoid the most overused names of 2025. It remains a familiar, well-liked choice that feels contemporary without being everywhere at once.
How Do I Pronounce Teagan?
The most standard pronunciation in English is TEE-gin or TEE-gan. It rhymes with “vegan.”
While the spelling is phonetic, you may occasionally encounter mispronunciations like “TAY-gan” (rhyming with Reagan). However, the “TEE” sound is the widely accepted standard in the US, UK, and Australia.
Is Teagan a Boy or Girl Name?
Teagan is technically a unisex name, though its usage varies by geography:
- In the US: It is predominantly used as a strong name for girls. For every boy named Teagan, there are roughly 15 to 20 girls given the name.
- In Ireland: The root name Tadhg is strictly male, so hearing Teagan on a boy is historically consistent, though the surname-as-first-name trend is less common there than in the States.
If you love the sound but want to signal a specific gender, spelling plays a role. Teagan is the most popular spelling for both, but Tegan is often seen as the more feminine, Welsh variation.
Variations of Teagan
Because it is an Anglicization of a Gaelic name, there are several ways to spell it depending on the region:
- Tegan: (Welsh) This is the most common alternative, often associated strictly with the meaning “fair” or “beautiful.”
- Teaghan: (Irish) This spelling adds the traditional “h” often found in Gaelic names, making it look slightly more authentic to its roots.
- Teague: (Scottish/Irish) A shorter, one-syllable variation, usually used for boys.
- Taegan: A modern Americanized spelling, though this risks the “Tay-gan” pronunciation.
Nicknames for Teagan
Teagan is short and punchy, but it still offers some sweet nickname potential:
- Tea: (Pronounced “Tee”) The most intuitive short form.
- Tiggy: A rare, high-energy nickname that gives the name a vintage British feel.
- Teags: A casual, sporty option often used by teammates or close friends.
- Gan: A unique option focusing on the end of the name.
Names Similar to Teagan
If you enjoy the spirited, Irish vibe of Teagan, you might also like these 8-10 alternatives:
- Reagan: Similar in sound and surname-style, but with a more political edge.
- Kiernan: Another Irish surname-name meaning “little dark one,” it shares Teagan’s unisex appeal.
- Sloane: Sleek, sophisticated, and Irish, meaning “raider.”
- Finn: A short, punchy Irish classic for boys or girls (Finley).
- Rowan: A nature-inspired name with Celtic roots that is truly gender-neutral.
- Delaney: Offers the same three-syllable Irish lilt but feels slightly more feminine.
- Quinn: A one-syllable Irish powerhouse that matches Teagan’s strength.
- Morgan: A Welsh classic that shares the “g” sound and unisex usage.
Middle Names for Teagan
Because Teagan ends in an “n” sound, it pairs beautifully with middle names that start with vowels or soft consonants.
Classic & Timeless
- Teagan Elizabeth
- Teagan Rose
- Teagan Grace
- Teagan James (for a boy)
- Teagan Claire
- Teagan Alexander
Modern & Nature-Inspired
- Teagan Sage
- Teagan Willow
- Teagan Skye
- Teagan River
- Teagan Briar
- Teagan Brooks
Short & Punchy
- Teagan Blythe
- Teagan Jude
- Teagan Cole
- Teagan Hope
- Teagan Joy
- Teagan Blake
Sibling Names for Teagan
Building a sibling set requires matching the “modern classic” vibe of Teagan.
For a Brother
- Declan: Shares the Irish heritage and energetic feel.
- Connor: A solid, traditional Irish name that isn’t too difficult to spell.
- Brody: Sporty and rugged, fitting well with Teagan.
- Liam: A popular choice that anchors Teagan’s uniqueness.
- Rory: A spirited Irish name meaning “red king.”
For a Sister
- Harper: Matches the surname-as-first-name trend perfectly.
- Piper: Shares the spunky, high-energy vibe.
- Maeve: A shorter, historically rich Irish name.
- Riley: Another unisex Irish favorite that parallels Teagan well.
- Finley: Ideally matched in style, origin, and gender neutrality.
Famous People Named Teagan
- Tegan and Sara: An iconic Canadian indie pop duo comprising identical twins Tegan Rain Quin and Sara Keirsten Quin. They are arguably the most famous bearer of the name in pop culture.
- Teagan Croft: An Australian actress best known for her role as Raven in the DC Universe series Titans.
- Tegan Nox: The ring name of Welsh professional wrestler Steffanie Newell.
- Teagan Presley: A well-known American actress.
- Tegan Higginbotham: An Australian comedian and writer.
Teagan in Pop Culture
- Tegan Jovanka: A companion of the Fourth and Fifth Doctors in the long-running sci-fi series Doctor Who. She was known for her bold, no-nonsense attitude.
- Teagan Walsh: A character in the hit TV series How to Get Away with Murder.
- Teagan Price: A character in the movie Fast & Furious 6.
FAQs About the Name Teagan
When people search the name Teagan, they commonly ask the questions below.
Is Teagan a Rare Name?
Teagan is currently considered a “familiar but not overused” name. It is not rare, as it sits comfortably within the top 300 names in the US, but it is also not ubiquitous like Olivia or Liam. You likely won’t have three Teagans in the same kindergarten class.
Is Teagan Gender Neutral?
Yes, Teagan is a unisex name. While the original Irish name Tadhg is male, the Anglicized Teagan is predominantly female in the United States. However, it is still widely recognized and accepted as a boy’s name, especially among families looking for Irish heritage choices.
How Do You Spell Teagan?
The most common spelling in the US is Teagan. The Welsh variation is typically spelled Tegan. Other valid but less common variations include Teaghan, Teegan, and Taegan.
Is Teagan a Good Name?
Teagan is an excellent choice for modern parents. It balances “cool factor” with history. It is easy to spell, easy to pronounce, and carries a beautiful meaning (“poet” or “fair”). It also ages well, sounding just as appropriate for a doctor or artist as it does for a toddler.
What Does Teagan Mean in Welsh?
While Teagan is primarily Irish, the variation Tegan is a Welsh name meaning “darling,” “fair,” or “loved one.” It comes from the Welsh word teg, meaning fair or beautiful, and the diminutive suffix -an.
