Margery is a unique and distinctive female given name with an interesting history and origin. It is derived from the Latin word " Margarita," which means "pearl." This name has been associated with luxury, beauty, and rarity for centuries due to its connection with precious gems.
The name Margery first appeared in England during the Middle Ages, where it was a popular choice among the nobility. It was often given to daughters of wealthy families as a symbol of their high social status. Over time, the name spread beyond the aristocracy and became more common among the general population.
One famous historical figure named Margery was Margery Kempe, who lived in 15th-century England. She was known for her spiritual experiences and wrote an autobiography called "The Book of Margery Kempe," which is considered one of the earliest examples of women's writing in English literature.
Today, Margery remains a relatively uncommon name, but it continues to be appreciated for its elegant sound and rich history. It is often associated with intelligence, creativity, and individuality due to its unique nature.
In terms of popularity, Margery has never been particularly widespread. According to the Social Security Administration's data on baby names in the United States, no more than 25 girls were named Margery in any given year between 1900 and 2018. This scarcity contributes to its distinctive character and makes it a compelling choice for parents looking for an unusual yet meaningful name.
In conclusion, Margery is a beautiful and uncommon female given name with a fascinating origin story rooted in Latin language and medieval English history. Its meaning, "pearl," adds to its allure, as does its association with notable historical figures like Margery Kempe. Despite its rarity today, this name remains a powerful choice for parents seeking something special and significant for their daughter.
The name Margery has seen a significant rise and fall in popularity over the past century and a half in the United States. The earliest record of its usage dates back to 1880, with 8 births that year. This number remained consistent for the next few years, fluctuating between 8 and 12 births annually until 1887 when it saw a significant increase to 29 births.
The trend continued upward throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, reaching a peak of 534 births in 1920. However, this was short-lived as the numbers began to decline steadily afterwards, dropping below 200 by 1936. The mid-20th century saw further declines, with fewer than 100 Margeries being born each year from 1954 onwards.
The latter part of the 20th and early 21st centuries have seen even fewer instances of the name Margery being used, with most years seeing fewer than ten births. The most recent data available shows that there were 8 births in 2022, indicating that while it is not a common name today, it still sees occasional use.
Overall, while Margery was once a popular name in the United States, its usage has declined significantly over time. Despite this, it remains a part of American naming history and may continue to be used sparingly in the future.