Margaret is a traditional and elegant name of Germanic origin, meaning "pearl." It was introduced to England by the Normans in the 11th century and has been a popular choice for centuries, particularly among royalty. Some notable figures who bore this name include Margaret of Anjou, wife of King Henry VI of England, and Margaret Thatcher, Britain's first female Prime Minister. The name Margaret has also inspired various literary characters, such as Margaret "Peggy" Carter from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Its most well-known diminutive is Maggie, which shares the same charm and strength.
"The name Margaret experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the century from 1880 to 2003. The peak years for the name were during World War I and shortly after, with 38 births in 1918 and 26 births each in 1919 and 1920. However, by the late 1950s, Margaret's popularity had declined significantly, with fewer than 15 births recorded annually until a slight resurgence in the mid-1960s."