Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Margaret
GirlGreek, Latin· “pearl”
- Meaning
- pearl
- Origin
- Greek, Latin
- Pronunciation
- MAHR-gur-iht
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #112
- US babies 2025
- 2,436
- Best rank
- #3 (1891)
- Peak year
- 1921
Meaning and origin of Margaret
Margaret is a Greek and Latin name that means “pearl”.
Margaret comes from the Greek margarites, "pearl," through the Latin Margarita. It spread widely in medieval Europe through the popularity of Saint Margaret of Antioch, and it was carried by many queens, including Saint Margaret of Scotland. Princess Margaret and Margaret Thatcher are more recent well-known bearers. Few names have produced as many nicknames: Maggie, Meg, Peggy, Daisy, Greta, Rita and Maisie all come from it. Margaret feels timeless and sturdy, and it is enjoying renewed interest as a classic with plenty of options for everyday use.
Popularity over time
Margaret has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 146 different years. Its best national rank was #3 in 1891, and the most babies received it in 1921, when 28,468 were named Margaret. In 2025, 2,436 babies were named Margaret, and it ranked #112 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #4 in 1920, #15 in 1950, #105 in 1980, #110 in 2000, #182 in 2010, and #112 in 2025. Of the 1,264,774 US girls named Margaret since records began, 19% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1910s come next, with 189,234 babies. Since 2010, 33,513 more have been named Margaret.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Ruth, Virginia, Mildred, Evelyn, and Marie.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Margaret ranked highest in District of Columbia, Alabama, and North Dakota.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | #22 | 18 |
| Alabama | #35 | 77 |
| North Dakota | #57 | 14 |
| Nebraska | #59 | 28 |
| Missouri | #61 | 78 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Margaret is usually pronounced MAHR-gur-iht, with three syllables. It has eight letters, starts with M and ends in “-et”.
Middle names for Margaret
A few middle names that flow with Margaret: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Margaret
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Lists that include Margaret
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Margaret mean?
Margaret is a Greek and Latin name that means “pearl”.
What is the origin of the name Margaret?
Margaret has Greek, Latin, and English roots. Margaret comes from the Greek margarites, "pearl," through the Latin Margarita.
Is Margaret a popular name?
Yes. Margaret ranked #112 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Margaret a boy or girl name?
Margaret is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Margaret?
Margaret is usually pronounced MAHR-gur-iht. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings