Midge is a gender-neutral name of English origin. It is often considered a diminutive form of the name Margaret or Margaret's Scottish variant, Meg. However, it can also stand alone as an independent name with its own unique history and meaning.
The name Midge has been used in literature and popular culture throughout the years, which may have contributed to its recognition and popularity. In J.D. Salinger's "The Catcher in the Rye," one of the characters is named Holden Caulfield's younger sister, Phoebe, who goes by the nickname Midge. This usage may have helped to popularize the name in the mid-20th century.
Midge also has connections to Scottish history and culture. In Scotland, it was used as a pet form of Margaret or Meg, which were both popular names during medieval times. The name Margaret is derived from the Latin word "margarita," meaning "pearl." Thus, Midge can be associated with the qualities of purity, radiance, and beauty that pearls possess.
The name Midge may also have been influenced by the Scottish dialect word "midgie," which refers to a type of biting midge fly. While this connection might seem unconventional, it adds an interesting layer to the name's history and meaning.
Today, Midge is often used as a nickname or shortened form of Margaret, Meg, or other similar names. However, it can also be given as a standalone name, carrying its own unique heritage and significance. People named Midge are not limited by their name's origins or associations; instead, they create their own identity and story, just like anyone else.
The name Midge has had a varied history of popularity in the United States over the past century. Between 1916 and 1974, there were a total of 805 babies named Midge.
The name's peak popularity was during the post-World War II baby boom era. In 1946, the year following the end of World War II, there were 24 births with the name Midge. This number continued to rise in the following years, reaching a high of 31 births in both 1953 and 1954.
Interestingly, the name Midge also had periods of popularity earlier in the century. In the late 1910s and early 1920s, there were several years with more than ten births each year. However, these numbers paled in comparison to the post-war boom.
After the peak in the mid-1950s, the popularity of the name Midge began to decline. By the late 1960s and early 1970s, the number of babies named Midge each year was once again in single digits.
Despite its fluctuations in popularity, the name Midge has a rich history in the United States. It is clear that parents throughout the past century have chosen this unique name for their children, with peaks in popularity occurring during times of cultural and societal change.