Margaret
Peaked at #3 nationally in 1891, based on real US Social Security Administration birth records.
Girls vs. boys, all-time
Since 1880, Margaret has been recorded >99% of the time for girls and <1% of the time for boys.
Meaning & origin
Margaret comes from the Greek word "margarites," meaning "pearl." It was popularized in medieval Europe through Saint Margaret of Antioch and Saint Margaret of Scotland, an 11th-century queen later canonized for her piety and charity. The name became one of the most consistently used women's names in English from the Middle Ages through the 20th century.
Notable people & culture
British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and Britain's Princess Margaret are among its most prominent bearers, alongside Canadian author Margaret Atwood. The name has produced an unusually wide range of nicknames, including Maggie, Meg, Peggy, and Daisy. Its popularity in the U.S. peaked in the early-to-mid 20th century before gradually declining.
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Margaret — Girls (United States)
RisingPeak rank
#3
in 1891
Current rank
#119
in 2024
Years tracked
145
1880–2024
Trend
Rising
Tracked since 1880, Margaret reached its peak popularity for girls in 1891, ranking #3 nationally with 3,065 babies given the name that year.
Over the last 10 years of data, its rank has climbed from #169 (2014) to #119 (2024) — a 30% improvement.
As of 2024, Margaret ranks #119 nationally for girls, with 2,303 babies given the name that year.
Recent years
| Year | Rank | Births |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | #119 | 2,303 |
| 2023 | #132 | 2,083 |
| 2022 | #127 | 2,197 |
| 2021 | #125 | 2,242 |
| 2020 | #126 | 2,195 |
| 2019 | #127 | 2,214 |
| 2018 | #127 | 2,334 |
| 2017 | #132 | 2,255 |
Margaret — Boys (United States)
FallingPeak rank
#392
in 1907
Last ranked
#11736
in 2012
Years tracked
119
1881–2012
Trend
Falling
Tracked since 1881, Margaret reached its peak popularity for boys in 1907, ranking #392 nationally with 33 babies given the name that year.
Margaret hasn't appeared among the national top ranks for boys since 2012, when it stood at #11736.
Recent years
| Year | Rank | Births |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | #11,736 | 6 |
| 2004 | #9,582 | 7 |
| 2003 | #12,068 | 5 |
| 1998 | #8,131 | 7 |
| 1996 | #8,601 | 6 |
| 1995 | #5,381 | 11 |
| 1994 | #7,470 | 7 |
| 1992 | #6,472 | 8 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration, National Data, 1880–2024.
Similar trajectory
Other names that peaked around the same era and rose or fell on a comparable curve.
Based on US data — girls' names only.
Common Questions
When was Margaret most popular?
Margaret was most popular in 1891, when it ranked #3 nationally for girls — the highest rank it has reached in this data.
Is Margaret becoming more or less popular?
For girls, it's currently rising; for boys, it's currently falling, based on the last decade of SSA data.
How many babies have been named Margaret?
At least 1,266,052 babies have been recorded with the name Margaret in the US since 1880, according to Social Security Administration birth records.
Looking for more name ideas like Margaret? Try the Baby Name Generator or compare it against other names on the Name Trends hub.