Meaning, origin, history
Marguerite is a feminine given name of French origin. It comes from the Middle French word 'marguerite', which in turn is derived from the Latin 'marginatus', meaning "bordered" or "edges". This name was likely coined to refer to someone who lived on the outskirts or borders of a town.
The name Marguerite gained popularity during the Middle Ages, particularly among the French nobility. It was often associated with the French royal family, as several queens and princesses bore this name throughout history. One notable example is Marguerite de Valois, who became queen consort of France in 1572 after marrying King Henry III.
Marguerite also has connections to literature and art. In the novel "La Princesse de Clèves" by Madame de La Fayette, the protagonist is named Marguerite. Additionally, a type of daisy flower was named 'marguerite' due to its resemblance to the name written in a circular shape, further popularizing this name.
While Marguerite has been more commonly used as a given name, it can also serve as a surname. In some cases, families may have adopted the name Marguerite as their last name due to historical or geographical associations with borders or margins.
In terms of usage today, Marguerite remains relatively uncommon compared to other names such as Marie or Sophie in France and many English-speaking countries. However, its unique sound and historical significance make it a charming choice for parents seeking an elegant yet distinctive name for their daughter.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Margarite since 1880
Total births
1,920
Total since 1880
Peak year
1925
52 births
in 2015
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-100%
↘
vs previous 5 years