Margaret: meaning and origin
Margaret
“Pearl”
About the name Margaret
Margaret is a girl’s name from the Greek tradition. Its meaning is “pearl”. Names from ancient Greek, often tied to virtues, myths and early Christian saints — like Sophia, Theodore, Chloe and Nicholas.
It’s a classic: a name that has been used for generations and still feels fresh.
Tips before you choose
- Say the full name out loud with your last name, and with any middle name.
- Check the initials — and what they spell.
- Think about nicknames kids might make from it.
- Write it down: is the spelling easy for teachers and friends?
More Greek names
- Alex 🧒Defender; a short form of Alexander and Alexandra · Greek
- Alexandra 👧Defender of the people · Greek
- Athena 👧The Greek goddess of wisdom · Greek
- Calliope 👧Beautiful voice; the muse of poetry · Greek
- Chloe 👧Green shoot, young plant · Greek
- Cora 👧Maiden · Greek
- Daphne 👧Laurel tree · Greek
- Elena 👧Bright, shining light; a form of Helen · Greek
- Georgia 👧Farmer; also the US state · Greek
- Helen 👧Bright, shining light · Greek
- Irene 👧Peace · Greek
- Iris 👧Rainbow; also the flower · Greek
Sibling name ideas (Greek, boys)
- Alexander 👦Defender of the people · Greek
- Andrew 👦Manly, strong · Greek
- Atlas 👦The Titan who held up the sky · Greek
- Christopher 👦Bearer of Christ · Greek
- Cyrus 👦Sun; far-sighted (via Persian) · Greek
- Damian 👦To tame, subdue · Greek
- Elias 👦My God is the Lord; the Greek form of Elijah · Greek
- George 👦Farmer · Greek
More girl names starting with M
- Madelyn 👧From Magdala; a form of Madeline · Hebrew
- Madison 👧Son of Matthew or Maud; from a surname · English
- Maeve 👧She who intoxicates; a legendary queen of Connacht · Irish
- Magnolia 👧The magnolia tree, named for the botanist Pierre Magnol · Latin
- Makena 👧Happy one (Kikuyu) · African
- Malia 👧The Hawaiian form of Mary · Hawaiian
- Marisol 👧Sea and sun · Spanish
- Mary 👧Beloved; the mother of Jesus · Hebrew
- Matilda 👧Mighty in battle · German
- Maya 👧Illusion; also linked to Maia, a Greek goddess of spring · Sanskrit / Indian
Questions and answers
What does the name Margaret mean?
Margaret is a name of Greek origin. It means: pearl.
Is Margaret a boy or girl name?
Margaret is usually given to girls.
How many syllables does Margaret have?
Margaret has 8 letters and about 3 syllables.