What does Peggy mean and where does it come from?
Peggy is often regarded as a diminutive of the name Margaret, which is derived from the Greek word 'margaritēs' meaning 'pearl.' The name has been in use since the Middle Ages in England and became popularized in the 17th century. It has several variations in different cultures and languages, though
Cultural significance
Peggy has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a pearl.
Peak popularity
Reached #31 in 1937 — currently #8740 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Peggy?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Peggy?
Peggy works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Peggy Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Peggy Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Peggy Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Peggy Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Peggy Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Peggy Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Peggy right now?
Falling — down 423 spots — currently #8740 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #8740 | 12 | ▼ down 423 · -8% births |
| 2024 | #8317 | 13 | ▼ down 6434 · -96% births |
| 2023 | #1883 | 317 | ▲ up 5 · +7% births |
| 2022 | #1888 | 297 | ▲ up 5 · +11% births |
| 2021 | #1893 | 267 | ▲ up 3912 · +1235% births |
| 2020 | #5805 | 20 | ▲ up 2632 · +54% births |
| 2015 | #8437 | 13 | ▼ down 1536 · -28% births |
| 2010 | #6901 | 18 | ▼ down 2783 · -47% births |
| 2005 | #4118 | 34 | ▼ down 1486 · -39% births |
| 2000 | #2632 | 56 | ▼ down 1005 · -38% births |
| 1995 | #1627 | 91 | ▼ down 626 · -50% births |
| 1990 | #1001 | 181 | ▼ down 303 · -28% births |
| 1985 | #698 | 250 | ▼ down 258 · -49% births |
| 1980 | #440 | 488 | ▼ down 172 · -46% births |
| 1975 | #268 | 897 | — |
The story of Peggy
Peggy has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #31 in 1937. More than 293,463 babies have been named Peggy since 1880. Once ranked #487 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1883 in 2023. Peggy is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Peggy in 1937:
Peggy by decade
Peggy peaked in the 1930s. See all 1930s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 104 | |
| 1890s | 378 | |
| 1900s | 1,100 | |
| 1910s | 4,323 | |
| 1920s | 21,928 | |
| 1930s | 56,514 | |
| 1940s | 72,299 | |
| 1950s ★ | 84,454 | |
| 1960s | 37,144 | |
| 1970s | 10,554 | |
| 1980s | 3,085 | |
| 1990s | 1,004 | |
| 2000s | 337 | |
| 2010s | 219 | |
| 2020s | 45 | |
What are good nicknames for Peggy?
ENGLISH
MaeganMaeghanMeaganMeaghanMeganMeghan
What names sound and feel like Peggy?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Peggy also consider these
How is Peggy written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Peggy
What does the name Peggy mean?
Peggy means "a 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 Peggy?
Peggy is currently a distinctive and less common name 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 Peggy?
Peggy 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 Peggy?
Peggy is a two-syllable name pronounced PEG-ee. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Peggy a common or rare name?
Peggy is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.