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.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Marge?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
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
Most popular combo · classic
Marge Rose
Floral · soft ending
Marge Mae
Sweet · timeless
Marge Claire
French influence · crisp
Marge Jane
Literary · strong
Marge Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Marge right now?
Holding steady — currently #993 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| 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 | — |
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:
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
What names sound and feel like Marge?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Marge also consider these
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.