girl name · Greek origin
Margaret
/ MAR-gret /
Meaning
Margaret means Pearl (Greek).
Gender
Girl
Origin
Greek
Pronunciation
MAR-gret
Popularity
#112 · U.S. girls (2025)
Popularity of Margaret in the US, 1880–2025
Margaret first appears in US records in 1880. It peaked in 1921, when 28,468 girls were given the name; in 2025 there were 2,436.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Names like Margaret
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Margaret mean?
Margaret means Pearl. From the Greek margarites, “pearl.”
What is the origin of the name Margaret?
Margaret is of Greek origin.
How do you pronounce Margaret?
Margaret is pronounced “MAR-gret.”
Is Margaret a boy or a girl name?
Margaret is most commonly used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Margaret?
In 2025, Margaret ranked #112 among girls’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Margaret most popular?
Margaret was most popular in 1921, when about 28,468 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What are common nicknames for Margaret?
Common nicknames for Margaret include Maggie, Meg, Greta.