What Does the Name Daisy Mean?
Daisy comes from the Old English dægeseage, literally 'day's eye,' describing how the daisy flower opens its petals at sunrise and closes them again at dusk. It is one of a small group of English flower names, alongside Lily and Violet, that moved directly from nature into use as given names.
The Origin & History of Daisy
Daisy did not become a common given name until the late Victorian era, when flower names surged in popularity. It also has a long-standing secondary history as an affectionate nickname for Margaret, drawing on the French marguerite, which means both 'pearl' and 'daisy.'
Popularity in the United States
Daisy ranks around #75 among US girls' names in 2025, well above its 19th-century peak of #48 in 1880, reflecting the broader modern revival of short flower and nature names.
Personality & Traits
Daisy tends to feel bright, playful, and unpretentious, carrying an easy cheerfulness that has made it a durable favorite across more than a century of use.
Famous People Named Daisy
Daisy Ridley became a global star playing Rey in the Star Wars sequel trilogy. Daisy Edgar-Jones is an acclaimed English actress known for Normal People and Where the Crawdads Sing.
Nicknames & Variations
Daisy itself often serves as a nickname for Margaret. Daisey is an occasional alternate spelling, and the name is closely tied to its namesake flower and to the related name Marguerite.