The name Margo originates from the medieval diminutive form of the ancient Germanic name Margaritta, which was derived from the Old French Marguerite. This name ultimately traces its roots back to the Greek word "margarites," meaning pearl. Margo was a popular name in various European countries during the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Margo can be found in the works of Geoffrey Chaucer, the renowned English poet and author from the 14th century. In his literary masterpiece, The Canterbury Tales, Chaucer mentions a character named Margo.

Margo gained further recognition in the 16th century when it was adopted by the French aristocracy. Margot, a variant spelling, was famously borne by Queen Margot of France, also known as Marguerite de Valois (1553-1615), who played a significant role in the French Wars of Religion.

In the realm of literature, Margo was the name of a character in the novel "The Tragedy of Pudd'nhead Wilson" by Mark Twain, published in 1894. This literary reference helped to popularize the name in the English-speaking world.

Throughout history, several notable women have carried the name Margo. One such figure was Margo Albert (1917-1985), a German-American actress and dancer who gained fame in Hollywood during the mid-20th century. Another prominent bearer of the name was Margo Fonteyn (1919-1991), an English ballerina widely regarded as one of the greatest classical ballet dancers of the 20th century.

In the world of fashion, Margo Jefferies (1937-2023) was a Canadian actress and model who graced the covers of numerous magazines and appeared in several films throughout the 1960s and 1970s.

Margo St. James (born 1938) was an American activist and former sex worker who co-founded the organization COYOTE (Call Off Your Old Tired Ethics) in 1973, advocating for the decriminalization of prostitution and the rights of sex workers.

Lastly, Margo MacDonald (1943-2014) was a Scottish politician and independent Member of the Scottish Parliament, known for her outspoken nature and advocacy for various social and political causes.