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Margaret

Derived from the Greek word margarites meaning 'pearl,' Margaret has long symbolized purity, value, and beauty. It entered Western Europe through the Latin Margarita and became popular among royalty and saints. Over centuries, the name gained cultural significance as a marker of nobility and steadfast character.

IPA: /ˈmɑːrɡərət/ · Simplified: MAR-guh-rit

Female
Greek
Christian European
Mediterranean / Western Europe
Classic
Strong
Timeless
Traditional

33/100

Popularity

Falling

10-Year Trend

12

Countries

2015

Peak Year

Meaning of Margaret

Etymology, origin story, and cultural significance.

Derived from the Greek word margarites meaning 'pearl,' Margaret has long symbolized purity, value, and beauty. It entered Western Europe through the Latin Margarita and became popular among royalty and saints. Over centuries, the name gained cultural significance as a marker of nobility and steadfast character.

Does Margaret flow with your last name? — Run the surname compatibility check

How to pronounce Margaret

IPA notation and a simplified pronunciation guide.

IPA: /ˈmɑːrɡərət/ · Simplified: MAR-guh-rit

Nicknames for Margaret

Common diminutives and short forms used in everyday life.

Maggie
Meg
Margie
Margo
Peggy

Margaret name popularity

Popularity score over the last 10 years and countries where this name is popular.

20152016201720182019202020212022202320240255075100

Popular in Countries

Top countries where this name is most common.

85

Ireland

80

Scotland

75

United Kingdom

70

Canada

65

Australia

60

United States

60

New Zealand

55

Germany

50

Poland

45

Sweden

40

Norway

35

Finland

International Forms

How this name appears across different languages and cultures.

Marguerite

Margarita

Margherita

Margareta

Mairead

Małgorzata

Margrete

Gretchen

Names like Margaret

Names with a similar feel you might also like.

Collections featuring Margaret

Curated name lists where this name appears

Personality

Traits and perception commonly associated with this name.

Margaret is often perceived as poised and reliable, embodying both intellect and dignity. Individuals with this name tend to be seen as thoughtful leaders with a strong sense of tradition and responsibility.

Name Day

Traditional celebration date for this name.

July 20

Famous people named Margaret

Well-known figures who share this name.

M

Margaret Thatcher

First female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

M

Margaret Atwood

Renowned Canadian author and poet

M

Margaret Mead

Influential American cultural anthropologist

Frequently asked questions about Margaret

Quick answers on meaning, gender, popularity, and nicknames.

What does Margaret mean?
Here is the meaning behind Margaret: Derived from the Greek word margarites meaning 'pearl,' Margaret has long symbolized purity, value, and beauty. It entered Western Europe through the Latin Margarita and became popular among royalty and saints. Over centuries, the name gained cultural significance as a marker of nobility and steadfast character.
Is Margaret a boy or girl name?
Margaret is traditionally a girl's name, though naming customs vary between cultures and families.
How popular is Margaret?
Margaret scores 33/100 on Namelia's popularity index, with a peak around 2015.
What are good nicknames for Margaret?
Popular nicknames for Margaret: Maggie, Meg, Margie, Margo, Peggy.
What names are similar to Margaret?
Names similar to Margaret: Alice, Eleanor, Catherine, Charlotte — close in sound, origin, or style.

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