Marguerite is a feminine given name of French origin that comes from the Middle French word "marguerite," which means "daisy." The name was popularized by Marguerite of Provence (1221-1295), who was the wife of King Louis IX of France and mother to King Saint Louis. She was known for her beauty, intelligence, and kindness, and her name has since become associated with these qualities.
In French literature, Marguerite is also the name of several notable characters, including the heroine of "La Princesse de Clèves" by Madame de La Fayette, and the wife of Faust in Goethe's tragedy "Faust." These literary associations have further contributed to the popularity of the name throughout history.
The name Marguerite has been used consistently over centuries, with its peak popularity in France during the 19th century. Today, it is still a popular choice among French-speaking families, although its usage has declined somewhat since the mid-20th century. Nonetheless, Marguerite remains a classic and elegant name that evokes images of grace, beauty, and refinement.
In English-speaking countries, Marguerite is often shortened to Maggie or Margie, while in France it may be followed by the familiar diminutive "ette," resulting in names like Margot or Madge. Overall, Marguerite is a timeless and regal name with a rich history that continues to captivate parents looking for a unique and meaningful name for their daughters.
Sources:
* Behind the Name: http://www.behindthename.com/name/Marguerite
* Etymonline: https://www.etymonline.com/search?q=Marguerite
* French girl names: https://www.french-girlnames.com/marguerite.html
The statistics provided show the number of babies named Marguerite born each year in the United States from 1880 to 2023. The name Marguerite first gained popularity during the late 19th century, with a steady increase in births from 1880 onwards.
The peak of Marguerite's popularity occurred between 1915 and 1918, with over 3000 babies named Marguerite each year during this period. The years 1916 and 1917 saw the highest number of Marguerite births, with 3034 and 3161 respectively.
However, after reaching its peak in the early 20th century, the popularity of the name Marguerite began to decline. By the 1950s, the number of babies named Marguerite had significantly decreased, with only a few hundred births each year. This trend continued throughout the latter half of the 20th century and into the early 21st century.
Despite its decreasing popularity, the name Marguerite has remained relatively consistent in recent years, with around 70-90 babies named Marguerite born each year between 2006 and 2023. In total, from 1880 to 2023, there have been approximately 93874 babies named Marguerite born in the United States.
Overall, these statistics demonstrate the shifting trends of naming practices over time, with Marguerite's popularity peaking in the early 20th century and declining thereafter. Nevertheless, the name has maintained a consistent presence among newborns in recent years.