Margaret: Name Guide
Quick Summary: Margaret is a female name of Greek origin, meaning "pearl". This classic name has maintained enduring appeal across centuries, associated with saints, queens, and strong historical figures.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Origin | Greek |
| Meaning | Pearl |
| Gender | Female |
| Pronunciation | MAR-grit, MAR-gə-rət |
Etymology of Margaret
Margaret derives from the Greek word margaritēs (μαργαρίτης), meaning "pearl". The name entered Latin as Margarita and passed into various European languages through Christian tradition.
The pearl symbolism carries connotations of rarity, value, and purity in ancient Mediterranean cultures. In early Christian contexts, pearls represented spiritual wisdom and the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 13:45-46), which may have contributed to the name's religious adoption.
The name spread across Europe primarily through the veneration of Saint Margaret of Antioch (3rd-4th century), one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers in medieval Catholicism. Her widespread cult in the Middle Ages established Margaret as a standard Christian name throughout Western Europe.
History of Margaret
Origins and Early Use
Margaret first appeared in Christian communities of the Byzantine Empire, honoring early martyrs. The name gained traction in Western Europe during the medieval period, particularly after the 11th century when Saint Margaret of Scotland (1045-1093) reinforced its royal associations.
Rise to Popularity
Margaret became deeply embedded in European nobility and common usage alike. Its popularity stemmed from multiple royal bearers and saint associations, creating both prestige and accessibility.
| Era | Event | Impact on Name |
|---|---|---|
| Medieval | Saint Margaret of Scotland canonized (1250) | Established name in Scottish/English royalty |
| 16th-17th c. | Multiple Queen Margarets across Europe | Peak aristocratic usage |
| Late 19th c. | Victorian revival of classical names | US Top 5 name (1880s-1920s) |
| Mid-20th c. | Shift toward newer names | Gradual decline from peak |
| 21st c. | Vintage name trend | Modest stabilization |
Modern Usage
Margaret ranked #4 in the US during the 1920s but has declined to #119 as of 2024. However, it maintains steady usage among parents seeking traditional, timeless names. The name is often shortened to modern nicknames like Maggie or Meg, which soften its formal quality.
Key insight: Margaret rose because of saint veneration and royal patronage across multiple European cultures, and declined as mid-20th-century naming trends favored brevity and novelty over classical formality.
Why people choose this name: People tend to choose Margaret when they want to convey dignity, heritage, and timeless strength, especially in contexts involving tradition, family continuity, or honoring historical figures.
Variants of Margaret
| Language | Form | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| English | Margery, Marjorie | Medieval variants |
| French | Marguerite | Directly means "daisy" |
| Spanish | Margarita | Also used for the flower/drink |
| German | Margarete, Greta | Greta = short form |
| Italian | Margherita | Pizza named after Queen Margherita |
| Scottish | Mairead | Gaelic adaptation |
| Greek | Margarita | Original form |
| Russian | Margarita | Literary (Bulgakov's Master and Margarita) |
For digital IDs, shorter forms tend to be more practical than full international variants. Consider length, spelling clarity, and memorability.
Nicknames
- Maggie
- Meg
- Peggy (rhyming slang tradition)
- Marge
- Greta/Gretchen (German-derived)
- Daisy (symbolic equivalent)
- Rita (from Margarita)
Similar Names
- Margaret and Margery - Medieval variant, softer sound
- Margaret and Pearl - Direct translation equivalent
- Margaret and Greta - Short form, now independent name
Margaret Popularity
US Rankings (SSA Data)
| Decade | Rank | Births |
|---|---|---|
| 1900s | #4 | 5,304 |
| 1920s | #4 | 27,994 |
| 1940s | #11 | 15,062 |
| 1960s | #36 | 11,362 |
| 1980s | #105 | 2,861 |
| 2000s | #110 | 3,122 |
| 2020s | #126 | 2,195 |
| 2024s | #119 | 2,303 |
Peak: 1891, ranked #3 (3,065 births)
Current (2024): #119 (2,303 births)
Trend analysis: Margaret's decline from the 1920s reflects broader cultural shifts away from formal, multi-syllable names. However, its recent stabilization suggests vintage revival interest among parents seeking classic names with historical weight.
Note: Popularity rankings reflect birth records and do not necessarily indicate current digital usage or username availability.
Margaret as a Username
Availability
"margaret" as a username is often taken on major platforms, though availability varies by service and region. Its length (8 characters) and common usage make direct availability unlikely on established platforms.
Variations for IDs
| Style | Example | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | margaret | Professional networks (if available) |
| With numbers | margaret99, marg2024 | Gaming, forums |
| Abbreviated | marg, meg, maggie | Social media, casual platforms |
| Stylized | xmargaret, margaretx, marg_ | Creative platforms, preserves full name |
Digital Impression
Margaret as an ID tends to project:
- Professionalism - because it's a established, formal name without trendy elements
- Timelessness - because it avoids generational markers or pop culture references
- Seriousness - because its length and classical sound convey formality
Best for: Professional networks, academic platforms, traditional communities
Avoid if: you prefer highly unique or abstract usernames, or want a playful, casual online persona.
Is Margaret good for a username?
Margaret works well as a username if you value classic professionalism and don't mind being associated with traditional, formal contexts. However, due to its historical popularity, you may need variations like "meg", "maggie", or "marg_" to secure availability on most platforms.
FAQ
What does Margaret mean?
Margaret means "pearl" from Greek margaritēs.
Is Margaret popular?
According to SSA data, Margaret ranks #119 in the US (2024). It is stable after decades of decline, showing modest vintage revival interest.
What are nicknames for Margaret?
Common nicknames: Maggie, Meg, Peggy, Marge, Greta, Daisy, Rita.
Is Margaret a boy's or girl's name?
Margaret is traditionally female. Modern usage remains overwhelmingly feminine.
How do you pronounce Margaret?
Margaret is pronounced MAR-grit (clipped) or MAR-gə-rət (full enunciation). British English often uses MAR-grət.
Is Margaret good for a username?
Margaret works well as a username if you value traditional professionalism, though availability may require variations like "maggie" or "meg".
Related Names
- Pearl - Direct English translation of Margaret's meaning
- Marguerite - French variant, also means "daisy"
- Greta - Shortened form, often preferred for digital IDs due to brevity
Sources: SSA Baby Names (ssa.gov), Oxford Dictionary of First Names Last updated: February 2026