What Does the Name Margaret Mean?
Margaret is a girl's name of Greek origin meaning “pearl.”
Updated June 2026
| Name | Margaret |
|---|---|
| Gender | female |
| Origin | Greek |
| Meaning | pearl |
| Variants | Margarita, Marguerite, Margot, Peggy, Maggie |
| Popularity | A top 5 US girls' name in the early 20th century |
The meaning and origin of Margaret
The name Margaret means “pearl” and has Greek origins. From the Greek margarites, meaning 'pearl,' via the Latin Margarita. Borne by several saints including Saint Margaret of Antioch, it has been a steady favorite across the English-speaking world for centuries.
Variants and related names
Margaret is related to several other names you may recognize: Margarita, Marguerite, Margot, Peggy, Maggie. These share a common root or are spelling and language variants of the same name.
How popular is the name Margaret?
A top 5 US girls' name in the early 20th century
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Open the name generator →Frequently asked questions
What does the name Margaret mean?+
The name Margaret means “pearl” and is of Greek origin.
What is the origin of the name Margaret?+
Margaret originates from Greek.
Is Margaret a popular name?+
Yes — see the popularity note above for how Margaret has trended in the US over time.
Margaret by gender
More girl's names
Sources
- Behind the Name — Etymology and history of first names — Behind the Name
- US Social Security Administration — Popular baby names by year — Social Security Administration
- A Dictionary of First Names — Oxford Reference — Oxford University Press