Margit is a Hungarian female given name that originates from the German name Margarete. The name Margarete is composed of two elements: "mag" which means "pearl," and "reht" which means "strong." Therefore, Margit's meaning can be interpreted as "strong as a pearl."
The name has been popular in Hungary for centuries, and it was often given to girls born into prominent families. One notable figure bearing this name is Margit Kaffka (1880-1918), a Hungarian poet who is considered one of the most important figures in early 20th-century Hungarian literature.
Margit has also been used as a royal name, with Queen Mary (Margit) of Hungary being the most famous example. She was born in 1371 and married King Louis I of Hungary in 1385. Their daughter, also named Margit, became a significant figure in her own right, known for her piety and charitable works.
In contemporary times, Margit remains a popular choice among Hungarian parents, with around 200 girls being named Margit each year according to recent statistics. Its enduring appeal can be attributed to its historical significance, royal associations, and the positive connotations associated with its meaning.
The name Margit experienced significant popularity fluctuations throughout the years. With a total of 672 births recorded over the span of these statistics (1908 to 1993), there were periods where it was quite common and others where it was barely used. The highest number of births in any single year was 20, which occurred twice - in 1963 and again in 1959. Conversely, the lowest recorded number of births was just 5, appearing in several years including 1987 and 1973. Overall, Margit's popularity as a baby name appears to have been relatively modest throughout most of the twentieth century.