Marguerite is a feminine given name of French origin, derived from the Latin word 'marginatus', which means 'bordered with pearls'. The name was originally used to describe a young woman who resembled the marguerites, or daisies, that bloom in France during springtime.
The name Marguerite became popular in medieval France through its association with Saint Marguerite d'Oingt, a 13th-century mystic and visionary who was known for her piety and devotion. The saint's name was Latinized to 'Margarita', which eventually evolved into the French form 'Marguerite'.
Throughout history, the name Marguerite has been borne by several notable figures, including Queen Marguerite of Valois, the sister of King Francis I of France; Marguerite de Navarre, a writer and patron of the arts who was also the sister of King Francis I; and Marguerite Yourcenar, a Belgian-born French-American writer who was the first woman to win the Prix Femina.
Today, Marguerite remains a popular name in France and other French-speaking countries, as well as among Francophiles around the world. It has also inspired numerous variants and derivatives, such as Margaux, Margot, Daisy, and Margo. Despite its long history, Marguerite retains a timeless elegance and femininity that continues to captivate those who bear it or simply appreciate its beauty.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Marguerite experienced varying popularity over the years in the United States between 1914 and 1965. The peak of its popularity was reached in 1922 with a total of 16 births that year, indicating that it was quite popular during this period. However, the number of births decreased significantly afterwards, reaching as low as five births per year on several occasions between 1928 and 1940.
It is interesting to note that there were two periods where the popularity of the name Marguerite seemed to increase: one between 1948 and 1952, with seven or more births each year, and another in 1965 with five births. This suggests that the name may have experienced a resurgence in popularity during these years.
Overall, while Marguerite was not consistently popular throughout the entire period, it did enjoy some periods of popularity, particularly in the early 1920s and again in the late 1940s to mid-1950s. It is also worth noting that the total number of births with the name Marguerite over this period was 224, indicating that while it may not have been one of the most popular names, it was still chosen for a significant number of babies during these years.