The name Maisie is a diminutive form of the name Margaret, which is derived from the Greek name Margarites, meaning "pearl." It is believed to have originated as a pet form of Margaret in the late 19th century, likely in Scotland or England.

Maisie gained popularity as a given name in its own right during the early 20th century, particularly in the United Kingdom and other English-speaking countries. The name is thought to have been influenced by the Scottish Gaelic word "màisidh," meaning "pearl" or "precious one."

While the name Maisie does not have any direct historical references in ancient texts or religious scriptures, its root name Margaret has been widely used throughout history. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Margaret is in the 12th century, when it was borne by the wife of King Malcolm III of Scotland.

Among the notable historical figures with the name Maisie are Maisie Plant (1904-1986), an English actress known for her roles in films such as "The Prime Minister" and "The Winslow Boy." Maisie Mackenzie (1915-2011) was a Scottish actress who appeared in numerous films and television shows, including "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie."

Maisie Rendić (1900-1982) was a Croatian actress and singer who gained fame in the 1920s and 1930s for her performances in operettas and musicals. Maisie Williams (born in 1997) is a British actress best known for her role as Arya Stark in the HBO series "Game of Thrones."

Maisie Wilkins (1914-2017) was a British dancer and actress who had a successful career on stage and in films during the mid-20th century. She was particularly renowned for her performances in productions of the works of George Bernard Shaw.