Meaning, origin, history
Margaret is a feminine given name of Latin origin, derived from the Latin word "margarita," which means "pearl." The name has been widely used throughout history and across various cultures.
In the Middle Ages, Margaret was a popular name among the nobility in England, France, and Scotland. It was often given to daughters in honor of Saint Margaret of Scotland (c. 1045-1093), who was known for her piety, intelligence, and political influence. Saint Margaret became the patron saint of Scotland, and her name has been associated with royalty and nobility ever since.
In other parts of Europe, such as Scandinavia and Germany, the name Margaret was also popular during the Middle Ages. It was often given to girls in honor of Saint Margaret of Antioch (3rd century AD), another Christian martyr whose legend involved being swallowed by a dragon but emerging unharmed from its belly like a pearl.
Over time, the name Margaret has evolved and taken on various forms and spellings across different languages and cultures. Some popular variants include Marguerite in France, Margarita in Spain, and Margret in Germany and Scandinavia. The name has also been used as a middle name or a surname in many cases.
Today, Margaret remains a classic and timeless name that is still widely used around the world. It is often associated with elegance, grace, and strength, reflecting the qualities of the women throughout history who have borne this name.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Margert since 1880
Total births
796
Total since 1880
Peak year
1925
23 births
in 1979
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
→
vs previous 5 years