Margaret is a classic and elegant female given name of Latin origin. It comes from the Latin word 'margarita', which means 'pearl'. The name has been widely used throughout history, particularly in England, Scotland, and Ireland.
The name Margaret first appeared in France during the 10th century, brought by the Normans who invaded England in 1066. It was popular among French nobility and was eventually adopted by the English. In Scotland, the name gained prominence after it was chosen for Queen Margaret of Scotland (also known as Saint Margaret), who ruled from 1093 to 1116.
Margaret has been a popular choice for girls in many countries over the centuries. It reached peak popularity in the United States during the early 20th century, and remains quite common today. Some famous Margarets throughout history include Margaret Thatcher, Britain's first female prime minister, and Margaret Mitchell, author of the classic novel "Gone with the Wind".
The name Margaret has also been associated with various saints throughout history, including Saint Margaret of Scotland, who was canonized in 1250. This has further contributed to its popularity and enduring appeal.
Overall, Margaret is a timeless and regal name that carries a rich history and elegant meaning.
The given statistics provide an interesting glimpse into the popularity of the name Margaret over time in the United States. The name's usage appears to have gone through distinct phases.
From 1880 to around 1906, the number of babies named Margaret remained relatively stable, fluctuating between approximately 500 and 7,000 births per year. However, starting from 1906, there was a significant increase in the popularity of this name, with over 6,000 girls being named Margaret each year until reaching its peak in 1918, with 27,139 births.
This period of high popularity lasted for nearly three decades, from around 1906 to the late 1930s. During this time, Margaret consistently ranked among the top ten names for girls in the United States. After World War II, however, its popularity began to decline steadily, with fewer than 5,000 babies named Margaret each year by the mid-1950s.
The name continued to decrease in usage throughout the rest of the century, reaching an all-time low in recent years. In 2022, only 2,070 girls were named Margaret at birth, a stark contrast to its peak nearly a century ago.
These statistics illustrate how cultural tastes and preferences can change dramatically over time, even for traditional names like Margaret. They also provide valuable insights into the historical context of naming practices in the United States during the late 19th and early-to-mid 20th centuries when Margaret was particularly popular.