Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Margaret

The name Margaret came to England by way of the Old French name Marguerite (from the Latin Margarita) which ultimately comes from the Hebrew “margaron” meaning ‘pearl.’ The name has been one of the more enduring female names, popularized in the Middle Ages and sustaining strong usage into modern times (like Catherine, Elizabeth and Anna). In medieval times, taking names of popular early saints was common in Europe (particularly France) as a measure of protection for children. St. Margaret was one such saint who lived in the late 3rd and early 4th centuries and was greatly revered in the Middle Ages. Known as Margaret of Antioch or Margaret the Virgin, St. Margaret was born in Antioch (present day Turkey) in the late 3rd century. She was chastised by her father for her Christian beliefs and had the audacity to rebuff a marriage proposal from a powerful Roman governor because this offer came with a demand: renunciation of her faith. She refused. As a result, Margaret was tortured and beheaded. Her legend and cult spread in the Middle Ages which served to popularize her name. One story told of her being swallowed by a dragon, but because she had been carrying the cross of Jesus, the dragon spit her out having been irritated by the cross (an ancient form of indigestion perhaps). Margaret is also a name that has spurred several variations, pet forms and nicknames. These include, but are not limited to: Maggie, Madge, Marge, Meg, Megan, Greta, Gretchen, Margot, May, Molly, Peggy, Peg and even Daisy.

All About the Baby Name – Margaret

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME MARGARET

The number 11 is a Master Number, and embodies heightened traits of the Two. This personality is on a life journey to find spiritual truth. They are extremely idealistic and intuitive. Elevens have a rare and exceptional spiritual energy that brings a sense of obligation to illuminate the world around them. It's a very powerful responsibility, but these people have far more potential than they know. It's important that they surrender to higher ideals. They have the capacity to see the bigger picture, and they possess the skills to inspire others spiritually. Elevens have strong diplomatic skills and can become great peacemakers. Master numbers can be both a blessing and a curse, as they walk the fine line between greatness and the potential for self-destruction.

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME MARGARET

Margaret has a special place on the American popularity charts. Even though the U.S. government only began tracking naming trends in 1880, we know this name has existed as a top choice for girls since the time of colonization. It’s a timeless classic with an endurance challenged by only a few other female names. It is for this reason we are sad to see her lose footing in recent times. Over 100 years ago, at the turn of the 20th century, Margaret was so popular, only names like Mary, Helen and Anna surpassed her usage. As the decades persisted, Margaret continued to hold her own. The name held onto the Top 10 list of most commonly used girls’ names until 1940. She maintained a Top 50 position until 1965 and Margaret was a Top 100 favorite until basically the 1990s. The name’s diminishing popularity almost has her rejected off the Top 200 list today. For those “traditionalists” out there, this is good news. Your daughter no longer has to share her name with scores of other women. Margaret has so much going for her. Tradition. History. Staying power. A classical endurance. Fortitude. Religious symbolism. Flexibility in terms of nicknames and pet forms. Unfortunately today you have to be a thoughtful, contrarian parent to select a name that was once in the common, no-brainer category. The other thing we love about this name is the deceptive simplicity of its meaning: pearl. First of all, the word pearl is synonymous with something that is rare, beautiful and special. Secondly, a natural pearl is created by an oyster by way of intruders (such as parasites, sand or other foreign substances). The pearl is formed to cover up these irritants. Just like the foreign agent of the cross irritated the dragon’s stomach when he swallowed St. Margaret – what did he do? He spit out a pearl.

Quick Facts

ON MARGARET

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

English

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

181

PRONUNCIATION:

MAHR-grit

SIMPLE MEANING:

Pearl

Characteristics

OF MARGARET

Inspirational

Highly Intuitive

Spiritual Teacher

Extremely Bright

Uplifting

Truth-seeker

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Margaret

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME MARGARET

Margaret is the little nemesis of “Dennis the Menace”, Hank Ketcham’s comic series that was begun in 1951. She is a little know-it-all who reigns supreme in the neighborhood, queening it over the other kids with her glasses and her ubiquitous doll carriage. Although she is a source of great annoyance to Dennis, she is sublimely confident in her plan to marry him one day. In the meantime, it is her sworn duty to correct his grammar, his manners, his habits and, in general, his existence.

Meg is the oldest sister of the four March girls in Louisa May Alcott’s classic, Little Women. She is portrayed as a protective older sister and a good daughter, who goes on to become a devoted wife and mother. Her other main role seems to be as a counter balance for the independent, high-spirited and outspoken Jo. Indeed, she is lovely and kind, but perhaps just a little too self-effacing for our 21st century tastes? You must be the judge.

Meg Murry is the protagonist of Madeleine L’Engel’s 1962 young adult science fiction novel , A Wrinkle in Time. She is a sympathetic social outsider, a thirteen year old at an awkward stage who feels that she is homely, especially compared to her beautiful mother. The plot concerns the fantastic voyage she and her brother embark upon in an effort to find their missing scientist father. They are accompanied by her schoolmate Calvin, whose attentions to Meg begin to make her feel attractive and feminine. It isduring the course of their adventures that Meg learns to use her individual gifts and talents to thwart evil and to do good.

Margaret is the protagonist of E. M. Forster’s 1910 masterpiece, Howard’s End, a beautifully drawn examination of the English class system. Margaret is a sterling character (one thinks of Emma Thompson’s great portrayal in the 1992 movie), who addresses all of life’s conflicts with an even-handed , open honesty. She is not a creature of noblesse oblige; she truly connects to people and empathizes with them. She tries her best to right wrongs as she sees them, even while grave wrongs are being done to her. Her development over the years brings her into her own as a compassionate and caring woman, who will leave the world a better place for having inhabited it.

Margaret is the young heroine of Judy Blume’s famous novel, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, about a young girl on the brink of puberty, and how she wrestles with all the problems particular to her species. Since its publication in 1970, it has become a classic for young girls, who identify with her by the dozens, as she encounters the problems caused by “growing up”. Her heartfelt talks with God are both poignant and funny, as she outlines her concerns for His regard.

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME MARGARET

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Margaret


Popular Songs

ON MARGARET

Margaret
a song by Seven Mary Three

Margaret Ann
a song by Goldfinger

Margaret on the Guillotine
a song by Morrissey

Melancholy Margaret
a song by Toy Dolls

When Margaret Comes To Town
a song by John Mellencamp

Whine & Grind/Stand Down Margaret
a song by The English Beat

Famous People

NAMED MARGARET

Margaret Taylor (U.S. First Lady)
Margaret Atwood (novelist)
Margaret Lockwood (actress)
Margaret Mitchell (author)
Margaret Rutherford (actress)
Margaret Walker (poet)
Margaret Mead (anthropologist)
Margaret Sanger (founder of the birth control movement in the U.S.)
Margaret Thatcher (former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom)
Margaret (various royalty)
Margaret Taylor (U.S. First Lady)
Margaret Atwood (novelist)
Margaret Lockwood (actress)
Margaret Mitchell (author)
Margaret Rutherford (actress)
Margaret Walker (poet)
Margaret Mead (anthropologist)
Margaret Sanger (founder of the birth control movement in the U.S.)
Margaret Thatcher (former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom)
Margaret (various royalty)
Margaret Taylor (U.S. First Lady)
Margaret Atwood (novelist)
Margaret Lockwood (actress)
Margaret Mitchell (author)
Margaret Rutherford (actress)
Margaret Walker (poet)
Margaret Mead (anthropologist)
Margaret Sanger (founder of the birth control movement in the U.S.)
Margaret Thatcher (former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom)
Margaret (various royalty)

Children of Famous People

NAMED MARGARET

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Margaret

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME MARGARET

Known as Margaret of Antioch or Margaret the Virgin, St. Margaret was born in Antioch (present day Turkey) in the late 3rd century. She was chastised by her pagan father for her Christian beliefs and had the audacity to rebuff a marriage proposal from a powerful Roman governor because this offer came with a demand: renunciation of her faith. She refused. As a result, Margaret was tortured and beheaded. Her legend and cult spread in the Middle Ages which served to popularize her name. One of the most popular legends connected to Margaret told of her being swallowed by a dragon, but because she had been carrying the cross of Jesus, the dragon spit her out – having been irritated by the cross. The widespread and enduring success and staying power of the name Margaret is owed to this old saint. The so-called “Virgin Martyrs” like Margaret of Antioch were particularly favored in medieval times, such as St. Catherine of Alexandria, The Great Martyr Barbara, St. Cecelia of Rome, St. Agnes of Rome and St. Susanna.

Even though her name was technically Margaret, she was known better as “The Unsinkable Molly Brown” after demonstrating bravery during the Titanic tragedy demanding that her lifeboat return to the ship to rescue more survivors (despite the chance they could be sucked into the vacuum of the sinking ship). She was a feisty Irish woman who married a self-made man. She herself became not only a socialite, but a philanthropist and a fighter for women’s rights, laborers and children’s literacy. She used her fame after the Titanic incident to promote the causes she felt worthwhile.