Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Margarita
GirlSpanish, Greek· “pearl”
- Meaning
- pearl
- Origin
- Spanish, Greek
- Pronunciation
- mahr-guh-REE-tuh
- Syllables
- 4
- US rank 2025
- #1,893
- US babies 2025
- 104
- Best rank
- #334 (1950)
- Peak year
- 1957
Meaning and origin of Margarita
Margarita is a Spanish and Greek name that means “pearl”.
Margarita is the Spanish, Greek and Russian form of Margaret, which comes from the Greek margarites, meaning pearl. The name has been used across Europe since the Middle Ages, honoring Saint Margaret of Antioch. In English-speaking countries it is also associated with the popular cocktail, which gives it a lighthearted, festive note. Margarita feels warm and classic in Spanish-speaking families, and it offers many nicknames, including Rita, Marga and Margie. Its pearl meaning adds a sense of elegance.
Popularity over time
Margarita 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 126 different years. Its best national rank was #334 in 1950, and the most babies received it in 1957, when 594 were named Margarita. In 2025, 104 babies were named Margarita, and it ranked #1,893 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #416 in 1920, #334 in 1950, #465 in 1980, #654 in 2000, #1,375 in 2010, and #1,893 in 2025. Of the 40,219 US girls named Margarita since records began, 14% were born in the 1950s, its biggest decade. The 1960s come next, with 5,310 babies. Since 2010, 1,980 more have been named Margarita.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Jerri, Debi, Jeanie, Delia, and Cindi.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Margarita ranked highest in California, Illinois, and Florida.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| California | #902 | 32 |
| Illinois | #1545 | 5 |
| Florida | #1637 | 8 |
| Georgia | #1706 | 5 |
| Texas | #2149 | 10 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Margarita is usually pronounced mahr-guh-REE-tuh, with four syllables. It has nine letters, starts with M and ends in “-ta”.
Middle names for Margarita
A few middle names that flow with Margarita: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Margarita
Similar names
Jacinta Girl
juh-SIN-tuh
“hyacinth” · Spanish
#4,397
Rita Girl
REE-tuh
“pearl; short for Margarita” · Italian
#1,287
Anita Girl
uh-NEE-tuh
“little Ana; grace” · Spanish
#1,342
Estefania Girl
es-teh-fah-NEE-uh
“crown (form of Stephanie)” · Spanish
#2,129
Marta Girl
MAHR-tuh
“form of Martha, lady” · Spanish
#2,056
Ofelia Girl
oh-FAY-lee-uh
“Spanish form of Ophelia, help” · Spanish
#2,148
Carmelita Girl
kahr-muh-LEE-tuh
“little Carmel, garden” · Spanish
#7,566
Aleta Girl
uh-LEE-tuh
“uncertain; possibly from Alethea, truth” · Spanish
#15,044
Catalina Girl
ka-tuh-LEE-nuh
“Spanish form of Katherine; often linked to pure” · Spanish
#111
Esmeralda Girl
ehz-muh-RAHL-duh
“emerald” · Spanish
#373
Alejandra Girl
ah-leh-HAHN-druh
“defender of the people” · Spanish
#604
Greta Girl
GREH-tuh
“pearl” · Swedish
#908
Lists that include Margarita
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Margarita mean?
Margarita is a Spanish and Greek name that means “pearl”.
What is the origin of the name Margarita?
Margarita has Spanish and Greek roots. Margarita is the Spanish, Greek and Russian form of Margaret, which comes from the Greek margarites, meaning pearl.
Is Margarita a popular name?
Not especially. Margarita ranked #1,893 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Margarita a boy or girl name?
Margarita is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Margarita?
Margarita is usually pronounced mahr-guh-REE-tuh. 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