Margaret Boy

Popularity: · Trend: → Stable

Origin(s)

PronunciationMAR-gret / /ˈmɑːrɡrɪt/

Greek; Latin; Old French

Meaning

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

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Margaret has been used since the early Christian era, derived from the Greek word 'margaritēs,' meaning pearl. It became popular in medieval Europe, particularly in England and Scotland. Several saints and queens have borne the name, contributing to its enduring popularity. The name has various forms and diminutives across cultures, reflecting its widespread use.

Trend Summary

Margaret has seen fluctuating popularity in the U.S., peaking in the early 20th century and declining in recent decades.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Maggie
  • Meg
  • Margot

International Variants

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

Famous people named Margaret

Margaret Thatcher was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1979 to 1990, known for her strong conservative policies.

Margaret Atwood is a Canadian author celebrated for her novels, including 'The Handmaid's Tale.'.

Margaret Mead was an influential cultural anthropologist known for her studies of the South Pacific.

Margaret Cho is an American comedian and actress recognized for her stand-up performances and television roles.

Fictional characters named Margaret

Margaret 'Meg' Murry is a character in 'A Wrinkle in Time' by Madeleine L'Engle, known for her journey through time and space.

Margaret 'Maggie' Simpson is a character in 'The Simpsons,' recognized as the youngest member of the Simpson family.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Margaret was first seen in the United States in 1881. Margaret has ranked as high as #807 nationally, which occurred in 1926, and has been most popular in New York, Pennsylvania, California, North Carolina, and District of Columbia. 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 (2004)

StateBirthsShare
KY 7
100%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18819
18827
188313
188410
188511
18868
188713
188811
188913
189015
189112
189212
189314
189415
18959
18968
18979
189816
189913
190016
190121
190222
190323
190420
190513
190616
190733
190824
190930
191031
191128
191246
191338
191446
191553
191654
191758
191861
191958
192050
192153
192234
192352
192488
192580
192691
192787
192887
192976
193070
193175
193288
193359
193464
193572
193681
193768
193865
193966
194066
194150
194264
194361
194440
194537
194642
194748
194840
194942
195032
195136
195226
195334
195427
195535
195629
195743
195830
195924
196029
196138
196240
196319
196420
196524
196626
196727
196817
196920
197018
197112
197216
197313
197410
197513
19766
197712
197811
19799
198017
198113
198214
198317
198415
198516
19869
198711
198814
198934
199017
199110
19928
19947
199511
19966
19987
20035
20047
20126