Meaning & History
Margaret is a classic feminine given name derived from Latin Margarita, which was from Greek μαργαρίτης (margarites) meaning "pearl". The Greek word was probably ultimately borrowed from an Indo-Iranian language, reflecting the ancient trade of pearls from the East.
Etymology and History
The name entered English in the 11th century through Norman French influence and became common during the Middle Ages, largely due to the fame of Saint Margaret of Antioch. Saint Margaret was a 4th-century virgin martyr venerated as the patron saint of expectant mothers; according to later legend, she was swallowed by a dragon but escaped unharmed. Her popularity in medieval Europe made the name widespread across the Christian world. Other significant saints include Saint Margaret of Scotland (11th century), an English princess who served as Queen of Scots, and Saint Margaret of Hungary (13th century), a princess renowned for her piety.
As an English name, Margaret has been continuously popular since medieval times. It was the top name for girls in England and Wales in the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s, though it declined in the latter half of the 20th century. In the United States, it reached peak popularity around 1903 but remained within the top ten names for much of the early 20th century.
Notable Bearers
Margaret has been borne by numerous influential figures. Politically, Queen Margaret I of Denmark (1353–1412) united the kingdoms of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden in the Kalmar Union. In modern politics, Margaret Thatcher (1925–2013) served as the first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Notable literary figures include American writer Margaret Mitchell (1900–1949), author of Gone with the Wind, and Canadian author Margaret Atwood (b. 1939), celebrated for works like The Handmaid's Tale. Anthropologist Margaret Mead (1901–1978) made groundbreaking contributions to cultural anthropology.
Variants and Diminutives
The name has spawned numerous diminutives and variants in English, including Madge, Mae, Maggie, Mamie, Marge, Margie, Margery, Marjorie, and many more. International forms include Spanish Margarita, Georgian Megi, and Armenian Margarit. The English surname Murgatroyd derives from a compound containing Margaret.
- Meaning: "pearl"
- Origin: Latin, Greek, ultimately from an Indo-Iranian source
- Type: Feminine given name
- Usage: English and many other languages
Related Names
Sources: Wikipedia — Margaret