Margaret is a classic and elegant female given name of Latin origin. It comes from the Latin word 'margarita', which means 'pearl'. The name has been widely used throughout history, particularly in England, Scotland, and Ireland.
The name Margaret first appeared in France during the 10th century, brought by the Normans who invaded England in 1066. It was popular among French nobility and was eventually adopted by the English. In Scotland, the name gained prominence after it was chosen for Queen Margaret of Scotland (also known as Saint Margaret), who ruled from 1093 to 1116.
Margaret has been a popular choice for girls in many countries over the centuries. It reached peak popularity in the United States during the early 20th century, and remains quite common today. Some famous Margarets throughout history include Margaret Thatcher, Britain's first female prime minister, and Margaret Mitchell, author of the classic novel "Gone with the Wind".
The name Margaret has also been associated with various saints throughout history, including Saint Margaret of Scotland, who was canonized in 1250. This has further contributed to its popularity and enduring appeal.
Overall, Margaret is a timeless and regal name that carries a rich history and elegant meaning.
The name Margaret has a rich history and popularity that spans over a century in the United States. According to statistical data, the name first gained significant traction in the late 19th century, with 1578 births recorded in 1880. This number gradually increased over the years, reaching a peak of 2333 births in 2018.
However, it's essential to note that Margaret's popularity has ebbed and flowed throughout history. For instance, between 1965 and 1974, there was a substantial decrease in the number of newborn girls named Margaret, with as few as 2667 births recorded in 1976.
The name Margaret regained some traction during the 1980s and 1990s, with numbers fluctuating between approximately 2900 to 3300 births per year. But since the turn of the century, there has been a steady decline in its popularity, dropping below 2500 births per year by 2006.
As of 2023, Margaret has slipped further down the list of popular names for newborn girls in the United States, with only 2070 births recorded. Despite this trend, it remains a timeless and classic name with a profound historical significance.
In total, over the course of more than a century (from 1880 to 2023), there have been approximately 1,259,974 newborn girls named Margaret in the United States. This figure underscores the enduring appeal and legacy of this name throughout generations.