Margarita is a charming and elegant name of Spanish origin, derived from the Spanish word "margarita," which means "pearl." The name is often associated with the gemstone of the same name, but its roots are actually in the world of botany.
The margarita flower, also known as the "crown-of-arms," was first described by Spanish botanist José Antonio Pavón in 1794. He named it after the Spanish word for pearl due to its lustrous appearance. The name Margarita has been used as a given name since at least the 15th century, but its popularity has waxed and waned over time.
One of the most famous historical figures with the name Margarita was Empress Maria Margarita of Austria (1784-1824), who married Emperor Joseph I of Portugal. She was known for her beauty, intelligence, and kindness, qualities that have become associated with the name Margarita over time.
Today, Margarita is still a popular name in Spanish-speaking countries, but it has also gained popularity internationally due to its timeless elegance and unique sound. Despite its botanical origins, Margarita remains strongly associated with the gemstone pearl, further enhancing its appeal as a name that evokes beauty, purity, and rarity.
The name "Margarita" has seen a wide range of popularity over the years in the United States, with a total of 40,003 births recorded since 1880.
In the late 19th century, the name Margarita saw steady growth, with an average of around 7 to 16 births per year between 1880 and 1900. This trend continued into the early 20th century, with a gradual increase in popularity, reaching a peak of 35 births in 1900.
The name Margarita saw significant growth in popularity during the mid-20th century. Between 1946 and 1972, the number of annual births with the name Margarita fluctuated between 357 and 568, peaking at 568 in 1954.
However, starting from the late 1970s, there was a decline in the popularity of the name Margarita. Between 1972 and 2002, the number of annual births with the name Margarita fluctuated between 360 and 259, reaching its lowest point since the early 20th century.
Since then, the name Margarita has seen a further decline in popularity, with fewer than 150 births per year recorded between 2003 and 2023. Despite this decline, the name remains present in the United States, with 88 births recorded in 2020 and 114 births recorded in 2023.
Overall, while the popularity of the name Margarita has varied significantly over time, it has remained a unique and distinctive choice for parents in the United States since the late 19th century.