What does Margaretha mean and where does it come from?
Margaretha is a variant of the name Margarete, which comes from the Greek name Margaritēs, derived from 'margaritēs' (μάργαριτης), meaning 'pearl'. It has been a popular name across Europe, especially in Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden. Historical accounts mention various saints named Margaret.
Cultural significance
Margaretha has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Germanic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of pearl.
Peak popularity
Reached #607 in 1887 — currently #1884 in the US.
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Related Reading
Germanic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Margaretha?
Margaretha works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Margaretha Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Margaretha Rose
Floral · soft ending
Margaretha Mae
Sweet · timeless
Margaretha Claire
French influence · crisp
Margaretha Jane
Literary · strong
Margaretha Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Margaretha right now?
Holding steady — currently #1884 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1884 | 316 | ▲ up 5 · +7% births |
| 2022 | #1889 | 296 | ▲ up 5 · +11% births |
| 2021 | #1894 | 266 | ▲ up 3851 · +4333% births |
| 1960 | #5745 | 6 | ▼ down 953 · -14% births |
| 1955 | #4792 | 7 | ▲ up 571 · +40% births |
| 1950 | #5363 | 5 | ▼ down 930 |
| 1940 | #4433 | 5 | ▼ down 155 |
| 1935 | #4278 | 5 | ▲ up 334 |
| 1930 | #4612 | 5 | ▼ down 2214 · -67% births |
| 1925 | #2398 | 15 | ▲ up 91 · +7% births |
| 1920 | #2489 | 14 | ▼ down 414 · -7% births |
| 1915 | #2075 | 15 | ▼ down 711 · +67% births |
| 1900 | #1364 | 9 | ▼ down 436 · -10% births |
| 1890 | #928 | 10 | ▲ up 222 · +100% births |
| 1885 | #1150 | 5 | — |
The story of Margaretha
Margaretha has been a beloved American name for over 140 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1884. With 476 total births recorded, Margaretha remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #1150 in 1885, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1884 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Margaretha in 1887:
Margaretha by decade
Margaretha peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 49 | |
| 1890s | 73 | |
| 1900s | 61 | |
| 1910s ★ | 108 | |
| 1920s | 79 | |
| 1930s | 34 | |
| 1940s | 18 | |
| 1950s | 24 | |
| 1960s | 20 | |
| 2000s | 5 | |
| 2010s | 5 | |
💎Margaretha has only 476 total recorded births since 1884 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Margaretha?
DANISH
GreteGretheMereteMetaMetteRita
ENGLISH
GretaGretchenGrettaJorieMadgeMaeMaeganMaeghanMaggieMamieMargeMargieMargoMarjeMayMaymeMeaganMeaghanMegMeganMeghanMidgePegPeggiePeggyRethaRita
Famous people named Margaretha
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Margaretha (Scandinavian royal)
Margaretha held this name in the Nordic royal courts, giving it aristocratic prestige across Northern Europe.
M(
Margaretha (medieval German ruler)
Margaretha bore this name during the Holy Roman Empire, spreading Germanic naming traditions across Europe.
M(
Margaretha (Norse explorer)
Margaretha carried this name across Scandinavia and into the North Atlantic during the Viking Age.
M(
Margaretha (German philosopher)
Margaretha used this name in the rich tradition of German intellectual and philosophical culture.
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Celebrity Names
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Explore →What names sound and feel like Margaretha?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Margaretha also consider these
How is Margaretha written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Margaretha
What does the name Margaretha mean?
Margaretha means "Pearl" — a name rooted in Germanic 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 Margaretha?
Margaretha is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Margaretha?
Margaretha originates from Germanic tradition. Germanic 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 Margaretha?
Margaretha is a four-syllable name pronounced M AA1 R G AH0 R EH1 T HH AA1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Margaretha?
Margaretha pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Germanic heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.