The given name Margarita has its origins in the Greek language and translates to "pearl" or "precious jewel". It likely emerged during the Byzantine era in the Medieval period when Greek culture and language had a significant influence across the Mediterranean region.

Margarita was a popular name among early Christians, as pearls were seen as a symbol of purity and spiritual wealth in the Bible. The name appears in some early religious texts and Biblical commentaries from the 4th and 5th centuries AD.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Margarita dates back to the 6th century AD, referring to Saint Margarita of Antioch. She was a semi-legendary virgin martyr who was allegedly executed for her Christian faith during the 3rd century in the Roman province of Syria.

Throughout the Middle Ages, the name Margarita gained popularity across Europe, particularly in regions with Greek cultural influences, such as Italy, Spain, and parts of Southern France. Notable historical figures include Margarita de Navarra (1492-1549), a prominent Renaissance writer and patron of the arts, and Margarita Teresa de España y Austria (1651-1673), a Spanish princess and daughter of King Philip IV.

In the 16th century, Margarita became a fashionable name among the English nobility, likely due to the influence of the Spanish House of Habsburg. One of the most famous bearers was Queen Margarita de Valois (1553-1615), the wife of Henry IV of France.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, the name Margarita maintained its popularity across Europe, with notable figures such as Margarita Maria Alacoque (1647-1690), a French Roman Catholic Visitation nun, and Margarita Wallmoden (1704-1765), a German countess and mistress of King George II of Great Britain.

In the 19th century, the name Margarita gained popularity in Latin America, particularly in Mexico, where it became a common name. One famous bearer was Margarita Maza de Juárez (1825-1928), the wife of Mexican President Benito Juárez.