Peggy is a charming and distinctive name with an interesting history and origin. It is essentially a diminutive form of the name Margaret, which has its roots in Latin and Greek languages.
The name Margaret comes from the Latin word 'margarita', which means 'pearl'. This name was given to daughters born into royal families or those who were considered precious and valuable like pearls. The Greek origin of the name is also attributed to the margarite, a flower that symbolized love and joy.
The name Peggy evolved from Margaret over time as a popular nickname used for girls named Margaret. It became especially fashionable in English-speaking countries during the Victorian era (1837-1901) when it was often given to baby girls born into middle-class families who wanted their daughters to have a traditional yet friendly-sounding name.
Over the years, Peggy has become an established name in its own right, no longer just a nickname for Margaret. It has been borne by many notable figures throughout history such as American actress Peggy Lipton (1946-2017) and British suffragette Peggy Ashcroft (1907-1991). Today, Peggy continues to be chosen by parents who appreciate its unique sound and vintage charm.
The name Peggy experienced a significant decline in popularity over the course of its recorded history. From a peak of 735 births in both 1918 and 1919, the number of Peggys born annually steadily decreased until reaching only 15 births in 2022. This represents a decrease of approximately 98% from its peak popularity.