Holding steady.
Popularity of Peg since 1913
Babies named Peg per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 22 |
| 1920s | 39 |
| 1930s | 103 |
| 1940s | 237 |
| 1950s | 303 |
| 1960s | 137 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Peg is a classic diminutive of Margaret that experienced its heyday in the mid-20th century. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1913 and rose to its peak popularity in 1957, when it was a common choice for baby girls. After the 1950s, usage declined steadily, and by 2025 the name remains stable but extremely rare, with fewer than 5 births per year. As a pet form, Peg carries the elegant meaning 'pearl' from its Greek root, yet it retains a down-to-earth, friendly quality. Its trajectory shows a name firmly rooted in the past, making it a nostalgic choice for parents seeking a vintage, no-frills name.
Peg is a diminutive of Margaret, which derives from the Greek margarites, meaning 'pearl'. The name emerged in medieval England as a rhyming nickname for Meg, itself a pet form of Margaret. While Meg remained common, Peg became particularly popular as a standalone given name in the 18th and 19th centuries, often associated with rural or folksy charm.
Sibling names for Peg
Names that share Peg's style, for a brother or sister.
