A 1880s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Margret since 1880
Babies named Margret per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1921, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Margret's real moment was 1882.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 307 |
| 1890s | 339 |
| 1900s | 437 |
| 1910s | 1,236 |
| 1920s | 1,850 |
| 1930s | 1,237 |
| 1940s | 1,061 |
| 1950s | 1,054 |
| 1960s | 832 |
| 1970s | 504 |
| 1980s | 375 |
| 1990s | 351 |
| 2000s | 264 |
| 2010s | 144 |
| 2020s | 77 |
Meaning & origin
Margret is a spelling variant of Margaret that has seen modest usage in the United States since 1880, the first year it was recorded in Social Security data. Its peak popularity occurred in 1882, when it ranked highest among births. The name experienced a decline through the 20th century, but since 2022 it has been rising again in usage, reflecting a broader revival of vintage names from the 1880s. While never among the most common names, Margret has maintained a consistent presence, and its revival suggests appeal among parents seeking a classic name with a distinctive spelling.
Margret is a spelling variant of Margaret, which derives from the Greek μαργαρίτης (margarites) meaning "pearl." The name was borne by several early Christian saints, including Saint Margaret of Antioch. It has been used in England since the Middle Ages, and the spelling Margret has historically appeared as an alternative form.
Where Margret is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Maggie, Meg, Marge, Ret, Greta
Variants: Margaret, Marguerite, Margarita, Margareta
Sibling names for Margret
Names that share Margret's style, for a brother or sister.
