Meaning & History
Margot ( MAR-goh, MAR-gət, French: [maʁɡo]) is a feminine given name, a French diminutive of Marguerite (and ultimately of Margaret), meaning "pearl." While originally a short form, it has long functioned as an independent name, particularly in French, German, and increasingly in English-speaking countries.
Etymology and History
The name traces to Greek margarites (pearl), via Latin Margarita. As a French variant of Margaret, Margot became popular in France, associated with the 16th-century queen Marguerite de Valois, known as La Reine Margot, whose dramatic life was romanticized in later literature and film.
Popularity
In recent decades, the name has seen a resurgence. According to Wikipedia data, in 2023, Margot ranked among the top 50 names for girls in England and Wales, boosted by Australian actress Margot Robbie and the film Barbie. It has also risen in the United States, New Zealand, and remains steady in French-speaking regions like France, Belgium, and Quebec.
Variants
Common variants include the spellings Margaux (notable in the wine region) and Margo. Related international forms include Margarita (Spanish), Megi (Georgian), and Marharyta (Ukrainian).
- Meaning: Pearl
- Origin: French diminutive of Marguerite
- Type: First name (also occasional surname)
- Usage: French, German, English
Related Names
Sources: Wikipedia — Margot