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Margaret Girl

Popularity: #118 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationMAR-garet / /ˈmɑːrɡərɪt/

Greek; Latin; French; English

Meaning

Greek: pearl; Latin: child of light; French: daisy

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Margaret has its roots in the Greek word 'margaritēs,' meaning 'pearl.' This term was derived from the Persian word 'margarita,' which also signifies 'pearl.' The name entered the Latin language as 'Margareta' and subsequently made its way into Old French as 'Marguerite' before being adopted into Middle English as 'Margaret.' This linguistic journey reflects the name's association with beauty and value, akin to the precious gem it denotes.

Historically, the name Margaret has been borne by numerous notable figures. One of the earliest instances is Saint Margaret of Antioch, a Christian martyr from the 3rd century, whose story was popularized in medieval hagiographies. The name gained further prominence in the Middle Ages, particularly in England, where it was associated with several queens and noblewomen, including Margaret of Anjou, the wife of King Henry VI in the 15th century, and Margaret Tudor, sister of Henry VIII. The name also appears in significant literary works, such as in Shakespeare's plays, where characters named Margaret often embody themes of virtue and resilience.

Culturally, the name Margaret has been linked to various symbolic meanings, often representing purity and integrity. In Christian tradition, the pearl is a metaphor for the Kingdom of Heaven, which may have contributed to the name's enduring appeal. Additionally, the diminutive forms of Margaret, such as Maggie and Meg, have been widely used in literature and folklore, further embedding the name into cultural consciousness. Overall, Margaret's historical and cultural significance has ensured its lasting presence across various societies and eras.

Trend Summary

Margaret has experienced fluctuating popularity in the United States, peaking in the early to mid-20th century.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Maggie
  • Meg
  • Margot
  • Greta

International Variants

  • Margarita (Spanish)
  • Marguerite (French)
  • Margarite (German)
  • Margarita (Italian)
  • Małgorzata (Polish)

Famous people named Margaret

Margaret Atwood is a writer best known for The Handmaid's Tale, Oryx and Crake, and Alias Grace.

Margaret Mead is an anthropologist best known for Coming of Age in Samoa, Male and Female, and Culture and Commitment.

Margaret Cho is a comedian and actress best known for All-American Girl, Margaret Cho: Notorious C.H.O., and her stand-up comedy specials.

Margaret Laurence is a writer best known for The Stone Angel, The Diviners, and A Jest of God.

Margaret Sanger is a birth control activist best known for founding Planned Parenthood and her advocacy for women's reproductive rights.

Margaret O'Brien is an actress best known for Meet Me in St. Louis, Little Women, and The Canterville Ghost.

Margaret Fuller is a writer and feminist best known for Woman in the Nineteenth Century and her role in the Transcendentalist movement.

Margaret Court is a former tennis player best known for winning 24 Grand Slam singles titles and her achievements in women's tennis.

Fictional characters named Margaret

Margaret 'Meg' Murry is a fictional character from the novel A Wrinkle in Time. She is the protagonist who embarks on a journey through space and time to rescue her father and save the universe.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Margaret was first seen in the United States in 1880. Margaret has ranked as high as #9 nationally, which occurred in 1921, and has been most popular in New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and California. In the past 5 years the name Margaret has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Margaret (2024)

StateBirthsShare
TX 190
9%
PA 108
5%
GA 104
5%
CA 103
5%
NY 103
5%
NC 98
4%
IL 95
4%
OH 92
4%
VA 85
4%
TN 84
4%
AL 70
3%
FL 68
3%
MA 64
3%
IN 63
3%
MO 63
3%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18801,578
18811,658
18821,821
18831,881
18842,142
18852,204
18862,275
18872,419
18882,904
18892,917
18903,100
18913,065
18923,435
18933,565
18943,700
18953,931
18964,050
18974,146
18984,696
18994,249
19005,304
19014,424
19025,011
19035,045
19045,302
19055,690
19066,096
19076,713
19086,976
19097,358
19108,226
19119,279
191212,536
191314,486
191417,763
191523,054
191624,953
191725,560
191827,139
191926,238
192027,994
192128,468
192226,862
192326,135
192426,546
192524,462
192623,073
192721,964
192820,295
192919,211
193018,351
193117,332
193216,556
193315,240
193415,145
193514,727
193614,596
193715,143
193815,330
193914,951
194015,062
194115,695
194216,548
194317,153
194416,320
194515,685
194618,135
194720,102
194818,873
194919,452
195018,110
195117,692
195217,101
195316,196
195415,226
195514,440
195613,914
195713,013
195812,314
195911,577
196011,362
196110,560
196210,073
19639,308
19649,100
19657,796
19666,961
19676,226
19685,440
19695,043
19704,704
19714,001
19723,286
19733,167
19743,087
19752,950
19762,666
19772,624
19782,629
19792,832
19802,861
19812,791
19822,997
19832,944
19843,034
19853,071
19863,085
19873,146
19883,138
19893,285
19903,372
19913,195
19923,242
19933,168
19943,105
19953,221
19963,103
19972,967
19982,962
19992,958
20003,122
20012,896
20022,678
20032,625
20042,436
20052,312
20062,188
20072,027
20081,864
20091,767
20101,701
20111,699
20121,780
20131,774
20141,951
20152,110
20162,216
20172,255
20182,334
20192,214
20202,195
20212,242
20222,197
20232,083
20242,303