Margaret
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.
Is Margaret popular?
Steady Margaret has held fairly steady over the past decade, after peaking in 1921.
| 2020s | 13,477 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 20,036 | |
| 2000s | 23,919 | |
| 1990s | 31,294 | |
| 1980s | 30,352 | |
| 1970s | 31,947 | |
| 1960s | 81,870 | |
| 1950s | 149,582 | |
| 1940s | 173,028 | |
| 1930s | 157,369 | |
| 1920s | 245,011 | |
| 1910s | 189,234 | |
| 1900s | 57,919 | |
| 1890s | 37,937 | |
| 1880s | 21,799 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Margaret mean?
Margaret comes from the Greek margaritēs, “pearl.” Borne by saints and by queens across Europe, it has generated an unusually rich crop of nicknames, from Maggie and Meg to Peggy and Greta.
Nicknames for Margaret
- Maggie
- Meg
- Peggy
- Marge
- Greta
Variants & spellings
- Marguerite
- Margarita
- Margarete
Names like Margaret
Greek names with a similar feel and popularity.
Names that pair well with Margaret
Popular Greek names for a sibling or a middle name.
Compare Margaret
Explore related names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Margaret mean?
Margaret means Pearl. Margaret comes from the Greek margaritēs, “pearl.” Borne by saints and by queens across Europe, it has generated an unusually rich crop of nicknames, from Maggie and Meg to Peggy and Greta.
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.
Is Margaret a popular name right now?
Margaret has held fairly steady over the past decade, after peaking in 1921.
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, Peggy, Marge, Greta.
What names are similar to Margaret?
Names similar to Margaret include Margot, Pearl, Eleanor, Beatrice.
What names go well with Margaret?
Greek names that pair well with Margaret include Christopher, Cynthia, Andrew, Helen, Timothy.