What does Margrethe mean and where does it come from?
Margrethe is a Scandinavian form of the name Margaret, derived from the Greek word 'margaritēs' meaning 'pearl'. It has a long history in Denmark and Sweden. Queen Margrethe II of Denmark is a notable bearer of this name, having reigned since 1972.
Cultural significance
Margrethe has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Danish-speaking communities, where it reflects values of pearl.
Peak popularity
Reached #3644 in 1913 — currently #1975 in the US.
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Related Reading
Danish-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Margrethe?
Margrethe works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Margrethe Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Margrethe Rose
Floral · soft ending
Margrethe Mae
Sweet · timeless
Margrethe Claire
French influence · crisp
Margrethe Jane
Literary · strong
Margrethe Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Margrethe right now?
Holding steady — currently #1975 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1975 | 225 | ▲ up 5 · +10% births |
| 2022 | #1980 | 205 | ▲ up 5 · +17% births |
| 2021 | #1985 | 175 | ▲ up 2604 · +3400% births |
| 1915 | #4589 | 5 | — |
The story of Margrethe
Margrethe entered American naming records in 1913 and has been in use for over 111 years. With 27 total births recorded, Margrethe remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4589 in 1915 to #1975 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Margrethe in 1913:
💎Margrethe has only 27 total recorded births since 1913 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Margrethe?
DANISH
GreteGretheMereteMetaMetteRita
ENGLISH
GretaGretchenGrettaJorieMadgeMaeMaeganMaeghanMaggieMamieMargeMargieMargoMarjeMayMaymeMeaganMeaghanMegMeganMeghanMidgePegPeggiePeggyRethaRita
What names sound and feel like Margrethe?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Margrethe also consider these
How is Margrethe written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Margrethe
What does the name Margrethe mean?
Margrethe means "Pearl" — a name rooted in Danish 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 Margrethe?
Margrethe 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 Margrethe?
Margrethe originates from Danish tradition. Danish 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 Margrethe?
Margrethe is a three-syllable name pronounced M AA1 R G R EH0 T HH IY1. 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 Margrethe?
Margrethe pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Danish heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.