Holding steady.
Popularity of Margarite since 1888
Babies named Margarite per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1925, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Margarite's real moment was 1902.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 5 |
| 1890s | 60 |
| 1900s | 90 |
| 1910s | 318 |
| 1920s | 413 |
| 1930s | 257 |
| 1940s | 212 |
| 1950s | 227 |
| 1960s | 146 |
| 1970s | 74 |
| 1980s | 50 |
| 1990s | 48 |
| 2000s | 15 |
| 2010s | 5 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Margarite is a rare spelling variant of the classic name Margaret, itself derived from the Greek word for 'pearl.' The name Margarite first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1888, and its peak year of usage was 1902, when it ranked outside the top 1000. Since then, its popularity has declined and remained stable at very low levels, with no recorded births in recent decades. The name has been borne almost exclusively by girls, consistent with its history as a feminine given name. While it never achieved widespread popularity, Margarite represents a distinctive alternative to the more common Margaret or Marguerite, favored by families drawn to its elegant, slightly vintage feel. As of 2025, the name is considered extremely rare, making it a unique choice for parents seeking a traditional name with a twist.
Margarite is a variant of Margaret, which comes from the Greek 'margarites' meaning 'pearl'. The name was popularized in medieval Europe through the influence of Saint Margaret. The variant Margarite, with its -ite ending, is a less common spelling that emerged in the 19th century.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Maggie, Meg, Marge, Rita
Variants: Margaret, Marguerite, Margarita
Sibling names for Margarite
Names that share Margarite's style, for a brother or sister.
