Marguriete

Meaning & origin

Marguriete is a rare and largely forgotten spelling variant of Marguerite, the French form of Margaret. First recorded in the United States in 1913, it achieved its highest popularity in 1922, the peak year for this particular spelling. Its popularity has remained stable at very low usage since then, and it has not returned to favor. Unlike the classic Marguerite, which has a long history in English-speaking countries, this variant spelling appears to be a uniquely American invention, used for a brief period in the early twentieth century. Despite its obscurity, Marguriete carries the elegant meaning of 'pearl' and offers a distinctive alternative for parents drawn to vintage French names.

Marguriete is a respelled variant of Marguerite, the French form of Margaret. Margaret derives from the Greek word margarites, meaning 'pearl'. The name was borne by Saint Margaret, a legendary virgin martyr, and became popular across Christian Europe. This variant spelling likely arose in the early 20th century in the United States, peaking in usage in 1922.