What Does the Name Margaret Mean?
Margaret comes from the Greek 'margarites,' meaning 'pearl.' The name spread through Latin as Margarita before settling into its English form, carrying centuries of association with something precious, lustrous, and rare.
The Origin & History of Margaret
Margaret has been used across Europe since the medieval period, borne by numerous queens, saints, and noblewomen, including Saint Margaret of Scotland. It remained a top American name for much of the 20th century before dipping in the 1980s and 1990s, and is now climbing back as part of the broader revival of grand, formal vintage names.
Personality & Traits
Margaret feels dignified, timeless, and quietly powerful, carrying real gravitas in its full form while offering a wealth of playful nicknames. It works equally well on a toddler or a stateswoman.
Famous People Named Margaret
Notable bearers include British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, Princess Margaret of the United Kingdom, and celebrated author Margaret Atwood, whose works span politics, royalty, and literature.
Nicknames & Variations
Margaret offers an unusually rich set of nicknames: Maggie, Meg, Peggy, Daisy, Greta, and Margot. Related international forms include Marguerite, Margarita, and Margarethe.
Is Margaret a Good Name in 2026?
Margaret has re-entered the US top 150 for girls, benefiting from the same vintage-name wave that lifted Eleanor and Charlotte, while offering one of the deepest nickname wells of any classic name.