Margaret is a feminine given name of Latin origin, derived from the Latin word "margarita," which means "pearl." The name has been associated with elegance and beauty throughout history.
The name Margaret became popular in England during the Middle Ages due to its use by several royal family members. One of the most notable was Margaret of Scotland (also known as St. Margaret), who was canonized after her death in 1093. She is revered as a saint for her piety and good works, and her influence helped to spread the popularity of the name throughout Europe.
Margaret has also been borne by many other notable women throughout history, including Queen Margaret I of Denmark (1353-1412), Queen Margaret of Navarre (1492-1549), and Margaret Thatcher, the former British Prime Minister (1925-2013). These figures have further cemented the name's association with strength, leadership, and intelligence.
Today, Margaret remains a popular choice for parents seeking a classic yet timeless name for their daughters. It has also inspired many variations and diminutives, such as Peggy, Maggie, Meg, Margot, and Daisy. Despite its long history and widespread use, the name Margaret retains a certain elegance and sophistication that sets it apart from other popular names.
In literature and popular culture, Margaret has been featured prominently in works such as Margaret Mitchell's novel "Gone with the Wind" (1936), where she is depicted as a strong-willed Southern belle, and in the beloved children's book "The Secret Garden" by Frances Hodgson Burnett (1911), which follows the story of young Margaret "Meg" Murdie. These works further illustrate the enduring appeal and versatility of this classic name.
Overall, the name Margaret carries with it a rich history and profound meaning that continues to captivate parents and individuals alike. Whether one is drawn to its origins in Latin or its associations with strength and elegance throughout history, there is no denying that Margaret is a truly exceptional choice for a feminine given name.
Margaret is a classic name that has been popular among parents for many decades in the United States. Looking at the statistics from 1880 to 2003, we can see that while it had its ups and downs, Margaret remained relatively consistent in popularity.
The highest number of births with the name Margaret was recorded in 1918, with a total of 38 babies being named Margaret. This high point is not surprising given that World War I ended in November of that year, often leading to an increase in birth rates due to reunions and celebrations among soldiers returning home.
Interestingly, after peaking in 1918, the popularity of the name Margaret began to decline steadily over the next two decades. By 1934, there were only 8 births recorded with the name Margaret, indicating a significant decrease in its popularity compared to previous years.
Throughout most of the mid-20th century, the number of births named Margaret remained relatively low, never exceeding 20 per year. However, in the late 1950s and early 1960s, there was another slight resurgence in the popularity of the name Margaret, with birth rates reaching as high as 15 in 1957.
Since then, the number of babies named Margaret has remained relatively consistent but low overall. The most recent data point available is from 2003, which recorded a total of 6 births with the name Margaret.
Overall, while Margaret was once a popular choice for parents in the United States, its popularity has waned over time. Despite this decline, it remains a classic and timeless name that continues to be chosen by some parents even today.