Find out how popular the first name Margret has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Margret by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Margret is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 8 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Margret.

The history of the first name Margret

The name Margret originated from the Greek word "margarites", meaning pearl. Its roots can be traced back to ancient Greece, where it was used as a term to describe a lustrous, precious gem. The name gained popularity during the Middle Ages in Europe, particularly in regions influenced by the Byzantine culture and the Eastern Orthodox Church.

One of the earliest recorded references to the name Margret can be found in the 4th century, when it was mentioned in the writings of St. John Chrysostom, a prominent Christian bishop and theologian. He used the term "margarites" as a metaphor for the purity and radiance of the Christian faith.

During the Medieval period, the name Margret became associated with various saints and historical figures. One notable example is St. Margaret of Antioch, a 3rd-century martyr who was venerated in the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches. Her legend involved her being swallowed by a dragon, which she miraculously escaped from unharmed.

Another significant figure bearing the name Margret was Margaret of Anjou (1430-1482), the wife of King Henry VI of England. She played a crucial role in the Wars of the Roses, leading the Lancastrian faction against the House of York. Her determination and resilience during the conflict earned her a place in English history.

In the 12th century, Margret was a popular name among the nobility in Germany and Austria. One noteworthy bearer was Margret of Brabant (1193-1270), who was the Countess of Flanders and Hainaut. She was known for her patronage of the arts and her efforts in promoting peace between warring factions.

The name Margret also had a strong presence in Scandinavia, particularly in Norway and Sweden. One famous bearer was Margret I of Denmark (1353-1412), who ruled as the Queen of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. She was instrumental in establishing the Kalmar Union, which unified the three Scandinavian kingdoms under one monarch.

Throughout history, the name Margret has been borne by many influential women, including Margret of Anjou, Queen of England; Margret of Valois, Queen of Navarre; Margret Beaufort, Countess of Richmond and mother of King Henry VII of England; Margret Tudor, Queen of Scotland; and Margret of Parma, Governor of the Netherlands.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Margret was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Margret, please contact us.

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