What does Margaret mean and where does it come from?
The name Margaret derives from the Greek word 'margaritēs' (μαργαρίτης), which means 'pearl'. It has been used as a personal name since the early medieval period. Famous bearers include Saint Margaret of Scotland, a 11th-century queen and a notable Scottish saint. Variations of the name include Marg
Cultural significance
Margaret has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in England-speaking communities, where it reflects values of pearl.
Peak popularity
Reached #3 in 1891 — currently #132 in the US.
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Related Reading
England-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Margaret?
Margaret works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Margaret Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Margaret Rose
Floral · soft ending
Margaret Mae
Sweet · timeless
Margaret Claire
French influence · crisp
Margaret Jane
Literary · strong
Margaret Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Margaret right now?
Holding steady — currently #132 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #132 | 2,083 | ▼ down 5 · -5% births |
| 2022 | #127 | 2,197 | ▼ down 2 · -2% births |
| 2021 | #125 | 2,242 | ▲ up 1 · +3% births |
| 2020 | #126 | 2,178 | ▲ up 29 · +3% births |
| 2015 | #155 | 2,105 | ▲ up 27 · +24% births |
| 2010 | #182 | 1,698 | ▼ down 31 · -27% births |
| 2005 | #151 | 2,311 | ▼ down 41 · -26% births |
| 2000 | #110 | 3,121 | ▼ down 6 · -3% births |
| 1995 | #104 | 3,221 | ▼ down 2 · -4% births |
| 1990 | #102 | 3,370 | ▼ down 12 · +10% births |
| 1985 | #90 | 3,071 | ▲ up 15 · +7% births |
| 1980 | #105 | 2,860 | ▼ down 7 · -3% births |
| 1975 | #98 | 2,951 | ▼ down 18 · -37% births |
| 1970 | #80 | 4,704 | ▼ down 28 · -40% births |
| 1965 | #52 | 7,792 | — |
The story of Margaret
Margaret has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. It peaked at #3 in 1891, placing it among the top 10 most popular names. Over 1257K babies have been given this name — a true American classic. Margaret is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Margaret in 1891:
Margaret by decade
Margaret peaked in the 1890s. See all 1890s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 21,893 | |
| 1890s | 38,060 | |
| 1900s | 58,139 | |
| 1910s | 189,706 | |
| 1920s ★ | 245,706 | |
| 1930s | 158,071 | |
| 1940s | 173,503 | |
| 1950s | 149,888 | |
| 1960s | 82,121 | |
| 1970s | 32,072 | |
| 1980s | 30,514 | |
| 1990s | 31,354 | |
| 2000s | 23,913 | |
| 2010s | 19,995 | |
| 2020s | 2,178 | |
What are good nicknames for Margaret?
DANISH
GreteGretheMereteMetaMetteRita
ENGLISH
GretaGretchenGrettaJorieMadgeMaeMaeganMaeghanMaggieMamieMargeMargieMargoMarjeMayMaymeMeaganMeaghanMegMeganMeghanMidgePegPeggiePeggyRethaRita
What names sound and feel like Margaret?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Margaret also consider these
How is Margaret written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Margaret
What does the name Margaret mean?
Margaret means "pearl" — a name rooted in England tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Margaret?
Margaret is currently ranked #132 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Margaret?
Margaret originates from England tradition. England names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Margaret?
Margaret is a two-syllable name pronounced M AA1 R G ER0 IH0 T. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Margaret more of a girl or boy name?
Margaret is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.