Peggi

Meaning & origin

Peggi is a respelled variant of Peggy, which itself is a classic diminutive of Margaret. It first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1937 and reached its peak popularity in 1958, though it never ranked among the top 1,000 names nationally. The name has remained stable in its rarity, with very few girls receiving it each year. Its trajectory is flat, sustained by occasional use rather than a revival. While it is not concentrated in any particular state, Peggi evokes mid-century nickname charm similar to other Margaret variants like Maggie and Meg. The spelling with an 'i' gives it a distinctive twist, but the name has never gained widespread traction, remaining a niche choice for parents seeking a vintage-sounding name.

Peggi is a spelling variant of Peggy, itself a pet form of Margaret. Margaret derives from the Greek margarites, meaning 'pearl', and was a popular name in medieval England, later spreading to other English-speaking countries. The variant Peggi likely emerged in the 20th century as a deliberate respelling to distinguish from the more common Peggy.