Margaret is a name of Germanic origin, derived from the elements "marg," which means "pearl," and "gat," which means "gate." The name Margaret thus translates to "pearl gate" or "gateway to the pearl."
The name Margaret has been popular throughout history, with notable figures bearing this name including St. Margaret of Scotland (c. 1045-1093), who was a queen and a patron saint of Scotland; and Margaret Thatcher (1925-2013), who served as the British Prime Minister from 1979 to 1990.
In literature, Margaret is also the name of the protagonist in Margaret Atwood's dystopian novel "The Handmaid's Tale" (1985). This character, named Offred before she was assigned her new name, bears witness to a totalitarian society that has overthrown the United States government and established a theocratic dictatorship.
Despite its historical significance and literary appearances, Margaret remains a classic name with enduring appeal. It is often shortened to popular pet forms such as Maggie or Peggy. However, regardless of these variations, the name Margaret retains its timeless elegance and strength, reflecting the qualities of the precious gemstone it is named after.
Statistics on the name Margaret in the United States show that it was quite popular during the early 20th century. According to records, there were five births with the name Margaret in both 1917 and 1919. This totals to ten babies being named Margaret across those two years alone. Although the popularity of this name has fluctuated over time, it remains a classic choice that continues to be used today.