Margaret

Margaret means "pearl" — a name that has held its luster for centuries. It comes from the Greek margarites, a word that itself was borrowed from an ancient Persian term for a precious gem. Over 1.2 million American girls have been named Margaret since 1880, making it one of the most enduring staples in the U.S. naming canon. Its popularity peaked in 1921, when nearly 28,500 newborns received the name, reflecting its status as a classic choice during an era of traditional, family-honored names. After a long decline through the mid-20th century, Margaret has been quietly climbing back: in 2025, about 2,436 girls were named Margaret, a 21% increase over the previous five-year period, suggesting a new generation of parents is rediscovering its quiet strength.

The name carries a remarkable cultural legacy, from Saint Margaret of Scotland to Queen Margaret of Denmark, and from Margaret Thatcher, Britain's first female prime minister, to the beloved fictional heroine Margaret "Marmee" March in Little Women. In popular culture, it appears in everyone from The Simpsons' wise baby Maggie to the sharp-witted Margaret in the Handmaid's Tale universe. The name feels both grounded and versatile: it can be softened into Maggie, Meg, or Peggy, or kept in its full, dignified form. For parents drawn to names with a similar blend of history and warmth, consider Eleanor, Catherine, or Elizabeth — all of which share Margaret's regal, timeless feel without feeling dated. Whether chosen for its literary echoes, its royal associations, or simply its lovely meaning, Margaret offers a name with depth that ages beautifully from cradle to career.