Marguerite is a feminine given name of French origin. It comes from the Middle French word 'marguerite', which in turn is derived from the Latin 'marginatus', meaning "bordered" or "edges". This name was likely coined to refer to someone who lived on the outskirts or borders of a town.
The name Marguerite gained popularity during the Middle Ages, particularly among the French nobility. It was often associated with the French royal family, as several queens and princesses bore this name throughout history. One notable example is Marguerite de Valois, who became queen consort of France in 1572 after marrying King Henry III.
Marguerite also has connections to literature and art. In the novel "La Princesse de Clèves" by Madame de La Fayette, the protagonist is named Marguerite. Additionally, a type of daisy flower was named 'marguerite' due to its resemblance to the name written in a circular shape, further popularizing this name.
While Marguerite has been more commonly used as a given name, it can also serve as a surname. In some cases, families may have adopted the name Marguerite as their last name due to historical or geographical associations with borders or margins.
In terms of usage today, Marguerite remains relatively uncommon compared to other names such as Marie or Sophie in France and many English-speaking countries. However, its unique sound and historical significance make it a charming choice for parents seeking an elegant yet distinctive name for their daughter.
Margarite is a unique and historic name that has seen its popularity fluctuate over the years in the United States. From the late 1800s to the early 1900s, there were fewer than 15 births each year with this distinctive name. However, starting from the mid-1910s, we began to see a steady increase in popularity for Margarite.
Between 1913 and 1924, there was an average of 40 births per year with the name Margarite. This period marked the peak of its popularity in the United States. After this high point, the number of annual births with the name started to decrease gradually. From the late 1920s to the early 1950s, there were around 25 births per year on average.
There was another small spike in popularity during the mid-1960s, with approximately 15 births each year between 1962 and 1967. However, this trend did not last long, as Margarite's popularity started to decline again from the late 1960s onwards.
From the early 1980s to the present day, there have been fewer than 10 births per year with the name Margarite on average. Despite its waning popularity in recent years, Margarite remains a timeless and elegant choice for parents looking for an uncommon yet meaningful name for their daughters.
In total, there have been approximately 1920 births of girls named Margarite in the United States since 1888. While its popularity has fluctuated significantly over time, this unique name continues to be a beautiful option for those who wish to honor its historic legacy.