Margaret is a name of English origin, derived from the Latin name Margarita, which means "pearl." The name was popular in medieval England and Scotland, where it was often given to daughters of noble families.
The name Margaret has been associated with several notable figures throughout history. Saint Margaret of Antioch was a Christian martyr who died in the fourth century AD. She is considered one of the 14 Holy Helpers, a group of saints invoked for assistance against various illnesses and diseases. Another famous Margaret was Margaret of Scotland (c. 1045-1093), also known as Saint Margaret of Scotland, who became queen consort of Scotland when she married King Malcolm III.
The name Margaret has also been popular in literature and pop culture. In Shakespeare's play "Much Ado About Nothing," the character Margaret is a virtuous and intelligent woman who becomes betrothed to the villainous Don John. The name was also used by F. Scott Fitzgerald for the protagonist of his novel "Tender Is the Night."
In recent years, the name Margaret has seen a resurgence in popularity. According to data from the Social Security Administration, it ranked as the 645th most popular girl's name in the United States in 2019.
Overall, the name Margaret is associated with strength, intelligence, and nobility, reflecting its historical roots and enduring appeal.
The name Margaret has been a popular choice for baby girls in the United States over the years, with a total of 458 births recorded between 1907 and 1987. The name first appeared on the birth records in 1907 with six babies named Margaret that year. This number remained steady until 1912 when eight girls were given this name.
The popularity of the name Margaret peaked in the early to mid-1900s, with a significant increase seen between 1915 and 1929. In 1915, there were 18 births recorded, marking the highest number of Margarets born in any single year during this period. This trend continued through the 1920s, with at least nine births each year until it reached a high of 13 births in both 1927 and 1928.
The popularity of the name Margaret began to decline after World War II, with fewer than ten births recorded annually between 1946 and 1958. However, there was another brief resurgence in popularity during the late 1950s and early 1960s, with a high of 16 births recorded in 1959.
Overall, while the name Margaret may not have been as popular in recent years compared to its peak in the early to mid-1900s, it remains a classic and timeless choice for parents looking for a traditional yet enduring name for their baby girl.