Marge

“pearl”

American origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#993US 2023

1.2kBirths / yr

→Stable

3.8kAll-time births

📅 Since 188900.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Marge

MAHRJ

/ˈmɑrdʒ/ · stress on MAHRJ · 1 syllable

“pearl”

American origin · Girl name

What does Marge mean and where does it come from?

Marge is often a diminutive of the name Margaret, which is of Greek origin, derived from 'margaritēs' meaning 'pearl'. The name has been widely used since the medieval period. Marge became particularly popular in mid 20th century America, partly due to its use in popular culture, most notably with t

Cultural significance

Marge has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of pearl.

Peak popularity

Reached #666 in 1941 — currently #993 in the US.

🌿

How else can you spell Marge?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

Marje

Spelling variant

What middle names flow best with Marge?

Marge works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Marge Grace

How popular is Marge right now?

Holding steady — currently #993 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1895–2023#993 · Top 0.73%

1915

1920

1925

1930

1935

1940

1945

1950

1955

1960

1965

1970

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#993	1,207	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2022	#998	1,187	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2021	#1003	1,157	▲ up 4861 · +14363% births
1970	#5864	8	▼ down 3171 · -62% births
1965	#2693	21	▼ down 1258 · -64% births
1960	#1435	59	▲ up 266 · +59% births
1955	#1701	37	▼ down 69 · +12% births
1950	#1632	33	▼ down 846 · -64% births
1945	#786	91	▼ down 30 · +7% births
1940	#756	85	▲ up 102 · +31% births
1935	#858	65	▼ down 14 · -10% births
1930	#844	72	▲ up 59 · +6% births
1925	#903	68	▼ down 154 · -28% births
1920	#749	94	▲ up 28 · +29% births
1915	#777	73	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Marge

Best Year1920Rank #749

Peak Count1,207

Average Rank#1419

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1900 - 202318 years

The story of Marge

Marge has been a beloved American name for over 135 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1889. With 3,785 total births recorded, Marge remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1281 in 1895 to #993 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Marge in 1941:

Mary Barbara Patricia Carol Linda

Marge by decade

Marge peaked in the 1940s. See all 1940s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	6
1890s	61
1900s	152
1910s	550
1920s	784
1930s	701
1940s ★	820
1950s	406
1960s	283
1970s	22

💎With 3,785 total births, Marge is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Marge?

ENGLISH

MaeganMaeghanMeaganMeaghanMeganMeghan

GERMAN

Gretel

WELSH

Megan

What names sound and feel like Marge?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Marge also consider these

Arabic · A Arabic name

Madge

England · a diminutive of

How is Marge written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Marge

What does the name Marge mean?

Marge means "pearl" — a name rooted in American 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 Marge?

Marge is currently ranked #993 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 Marge?

Marge originates from American tradition. American 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 Marge?

Marge is a one-syllable name pronounced M AA1 R JH. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

How does Marge sound with different last names?

As a one-syllable name, Marge flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Marge ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.