Malgorzata is a feminine given name of Polish origin. The name is derived from the Old Polish word "Małgorzata," which is in turn composed of two elements: "mały" meaning "small" and "garda" meaning "guard." Thus, Malgorzata can be interpreted to mean "little guard" or "defender."
The name Malgorzata has been used in Poland since the Middle Ages. It was particularly popular among the nobility during the 14th and 15th centuries, with several historical figures bearing this name. One notable example is Małgorzata Ośmańska, a Polish noblewoman and the founder of the Ośmiatych coat of arms, who lived in the late 14th century.
Today, Malgorzata continues to be used as a given name in Poland and among the Polish diaspora. While it may seem less common than some other Polish names like Joanna or Katarzyna, Malgorzata remains an enduring part of Polish onomasticon with its unique meaning and historical significance. Some variations of the name include Małgorzata (with the diacritical mark), Malgorzata (without the diacritical mark), and Margorzata.
The name Malgorzata has seen varied popularity over the years in the United States. Between 1970 and 2008, there were a total of 81 babies named Malgorzata. The years with the highest number of births for this name were 1982 and 1985, each with 9 births. Interestingly, there was a gap of two decades before another peak in births occurred in 1994 and 1995, both with 8 births each. Despite these fluctuations, the name Malgorzata remains relatively uncommon, with no more than 9 births in any given year during this period.