Margit is a Hungarian female given name that originates from the German name Margarete. The name Margarete is composed of two elements: "mag" which means "pearl," and "reht" which means "strong." Therefore, Margit's meaning can be interpreted as "strong as a pearl."
The name has been popular in Hungary for centuries, and it was often given to girls born into prominent families. One notable figure bearing this name is Margit Kaffka (1880-1918), a Hungarian poet who is considered one of the most important figures in early 20th-century Hungarian literature.
Margit has also been used as a royal name, with Queen Mary (Margit) of Hungary being the most famous example. She was born in 1371 and married King Louis I of Hungary in 1385. Their daughter, also named Margit, became a significant figure in her own right, known for her piety and charitable works.
In contemporary times, Margit remains a popular choice among Hungarian parents, with around 200 girls being named Margit each year according to recent statistics. Its enduring appeal can be attributed to its historical significance, royal associations, and the positive connotations associated with its meaning.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Margit has had varying popularity over the years in the United States. The name first appeared in the top 1000 baby names in 1908 with a total of 6 births that year. Its popularity peaked in the following decade, reaching its highest point in 1926 with 11 births.
After the 1920s, the number of babies named Margit began to decline steadily. However, there were still notable years such as 1956 and 1959 where more than 18 babies were given this name each year. The name continued to be used throughout the following decades, with a slight increase in popularity during the 1960s and early 1970s.
More recently, from 1985 onwards, there was another surge in the number of babies named Margit, with 14 births recorded that year. However, this did not continue into subsequent years, and the name has since become much less common. Overall, between 1908 and 1993, a total of 672 babies were born with the name Margit in the United States.
It's fascinating to observe how trends in baby names change over time, reflecting cultural shifts and personal preferences. The statistics provided here offer insight into the historical popularity of the name Margit in America.