Home Name Meanings Margaret

Margaret Name Meaning, Origin & History

Name Meaning & Origin

Margaret

🔊 MAR-gret  /ˈmɑːrgərɪt/

"Pearl, gem"

Latin Origin Christianity Predominantly Female 📈 Peak 1921 👥 1,266,052 in US Christian Biblical Saint
📖
Meaning
Pearl, gem
🌍
Origin
Latin
👥
US Bearers
1,266,052
Life Path
Number 6

📖 What Does Margaret Mean?

Derived from the Latin margarita, meaning ‘pearl’. In the Bible, Margaret was a martyr who was tortured and died for her faith. Her name was popular in the Middle Ages, and it is still used today.

🌐 From Wikipedia Source ↗

Margaret is a feminine given name, which means "pearl". It is of Latin origin, via Ancient Greek and ultimately from Old Iranian. It has been an English name since the 11th century, and remained popular throughout the Middle Ages. It became less popular between the 16th and 18th century, but became more common again after this period, becoming the second-most popular female name in the United States in 1903. Since this time, it has become less common, but was still the ninth-most common name for women of all ages in the United States as of the 1990 census.…

Root Element
Margaret
Core Meaning
"Pearl, gem"
Language
English, Hebrew, Greek, Latin
Themes
Pearl · Daisy

🌐 Margaret in Different Languages

🇬🇧 English
Margaret
means pearl of great price

the name Margaret is derived from the Greek word margarites, meaning pearl, and has been associated with purity and spiritual wealth, and in Christian tradition it symbolizes the preciousness of faith…

Personality of Margaret

Emotional Traits

Compassionate Loyal

Hidden Personality

D = Devoted
S = Spiritual

🍀 Lucky Attributes

📅
Lucky Day
Sunday
🔢
Lucky Number
7
💎
Lucky Stone
Sapphire
🌟
Life Path
6

Lucky Colors

Blue
White

Numerology: Nurturing, caring, and responsible.

🔢 Numerology of Margaret

M 4
A 1
R 9
G 7
A 1
R 9
E 5
T 2
SUM 11
11
Life Path
Intuition & Insight
7
Soul Urge
Wisdom & Introspection
4
Personality
Stability & Hard Work

Life Path 11 — Intuition & Insight: Highly intuitive, idealistic, and visionary.

🕊️ Cultural & Spiritual Significance

Cultural Impact

The name Margaret was particularly popular during the Middle Aages, and it was often given to noblewomen due to its regal sound and association with pearls. In literature, Margaret is a common name for heroines, such as Margaret of Navarre in the Faerie Queene by Edmund Spenser.

Spiritual Significance

The name Margaret is deeply rooted in Christianity, as it was given to a young girl who was martyred for her faith in the 4th century. Her name continues to be cherished by Christians for its connection to the purity and beauty of a pearl, as well as the fortitude and faith of a martyr. The name inspires a sense of devotion, strength, and a deep connection to one's faith.

Gender Distribution

♂ Male0%
♀ Female100%

Based on 1,266,052 US Social Security records

📈 US Popularity

Total US bearers 1,266,052
Peak year 1921 (28,521)
First recorded 1880
Last recorded 2024
Gender Predominantly Female
Full US statistics →

🗺️ Global Popularity

Overall Popularity Score 60/100
🌍 Germany
79%
🌍 United Kingdom
60%
🌍 France
75%

Historical Journey

🌱
Ancient Roots

Root element "Margaret" emerges in Latin tradition, carrying the core meaning "Pearl, gem".

📜
Classical Period

Used in English literary and religious texts, spreading through cultural exchange.

⚔️
Medieval Period

Carried across regions through trade, religion, and migration. Multiple spelling variants develop.

🌊
Modern Adoption

Standardized in its current form, established across English-speaking and Muslim communities.

📈
Today (2026)

~1,266,052 people named Margaret in the US. Peaked in 1921 with 28,521 recorded uses.

🏛️
Early Christianity, 4th century

Margaret of Antioch, also known as Saint Margaret, is a legendary Christian martyr from the 4th century. According to legend, she was a queen who was a descendant of Saint Helena. She was persecuted for her faith during the Roman Empire and was sent to a brothel. An angel appeared and turned a dragon sent by the Devil into a stone. Margaret escaped, and was eventually martyred by the Romans.

🏛️
Late Middle Ages, 11th-13th centuries

Margaret of Scotland, also known as Saint Margaret, was the daughter of King Malcolm III of Scotland and Saint Margaret of England. She is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church and Anglican Communion. Margaret was raised in the Scottish court, but was sent to the convent at Dunfermline Abbey when she was around 10 years old. She later became the Abbess of the convent and was known for her acts of charity and support for the poor. Margaret died in 1093, and was later canonized in the 13th century.

Modern Usage

Margaret is a versatile and timeless name that has found modern relevance in various contexts, from pet names to newborn names to fictional characters. Its classical and elegant sound resonates with many, particularly millennials, who value tradition and uniqueness in equal measure.

Famous People Named Margaret

M
Margaret Thatcher
M
Margaret Cho

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Margaret mean?

Margaret means "Pearl, gem" and is a popular Christian name with deep spiritual significance.

Is Margaret a good Christian name?

Yes, Margaret is a beautiful Christian name that carries positive meaning and is widely used in Christian communities around the world.

What is the origin of the name Margaret?

Margaret has Latin origins and is rooted in Christian tradition and culture.

What is the numerology number for Margaret?

The Life Path number for Margaret is 11, associated with Intuition & Insight. Soul Urge: 7. Personality: 4.

Is Margaret a boy or girl name?

Margaret is Predominantly Female. Based on US data, 0% male and 100% female.

How many people are named Margaret in the US?

Approximately 1,266,052 people in the United States are named Margaret. The name peaked in 1921 with 28,521 recorded uses.

🔗 Related & Similar Names

Related Names

Marjorie Margot Marguerite

Similar Sounding

Margarita Margot Marge

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