"pearl"
Origin: Greek via Latin
Language: English
Maggie
Pronunciation: [ m-AG-ee ]
Does Maggie flow with your last name?
Vintage charm meaning 'pearl' — a name with staying power
English
Irish
Scottish
American
Vintage
Playful
Classic
Whimsical
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"child of light, precious gem"
Origin: Persian (via Greek)
Language: English
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Things to Know About This Name
- Strong association with Margaret Thatcher for British parents — this is politically loaded in the UK
The Story of Maggie
Maggie is a diminutive of Margaret, which comes from the Greek 'Margarites' (μαργαρίτης), meaning 'pearl' — derived from the Persian word 'murvarid.' Margaret became one of the most popular names in medieval Europe through Saint Margaret of Antioch, patron of childbirth, and Margaret of Scotland, patron saint of Scotland. Maggie, once strictly a nickname, is now used independently as a full given name.
Maggie has experienced a significant revival in the 2010s-2020s as part of the vintage-nickname trend that also boosted Millie, Nellie, and Lottie. The character Maggie Simpson (The Simpsons) kept it visible for decades, while Maggie Greene from The Walking Dead gave it a tougher image.
In Ireland and Scotland, Maggie has been a beloved folk name for centuries, appearing in countless traditional songs. 'When You and I Were Young, Maggie' (1866) is one of the most enduring folk songs in the English language, and 'Maggie May' (Rod Stewart, 1971) made it an icon of rock nostalgia.
Historical Record
Maggie first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 63,051 babies have been named Maggie in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Maggie is a steady classic , currently ranked #299 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The word 'margarine' shares its root with Margaret — both come from the Greek word for pearl (from the pearlescent sheen of the fat)
- Maggie Simpson has never spoken in 35+ years of The Simpsons but appeared in four short films
- Saint Margaret of Antioch (also called Saint Marina) is one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers — saints invoked during plagues and difficult childbirth
Maggie in Other Languages
Irish
Magaidh
French
Marguerite
English
Maggie
Spanish
Margarita
Japanese
マギー
Scottish Gaelic
Mairead
Popularity Over Time
#299
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Steady Classic
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Maggie
M
Maggie Gyllenhaal
Actor
1977
American actress and director known for The Dark Knight and The Kindergarten Teacher
M
Maggie Smith
Actor
1934
British acting legend known for Downton Abbey, Harry Potter, and two Academy Awards
M
Maggie Simpson Fictional
Other
The silent baby daughter of Homer and Marge Simpson in the long-running animated series The Simpsons
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Compare Maggie with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #299
- Total SSA Count
- 1,051
- Cultural Origins
- English Irish Scottish American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Mags
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Maggie
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Maggie is also used as a boy name, ranked #31363.
View Maggie as a boy name →Similar Names
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Germanic origin
"son of Maud, mighty in battle"
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"born of fire, bright one's son"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Maggie
What does the name Maggie mean?
"pearl" (from Greek via Latin). "child of light, precious gem" (from Persian (via Greek)). Maggie is a diminutive of Margaret, which comes from the Greek 'Margarites' (μαργαρίτης), meaning 'pearl' — derived from the Persian word 'murvarid.' Margaret became one of the most popular names in medieval Europe through Saint Margaret of Antioch, patron of childbirth, and Margaret of Scotland, patron saint of Scotland. Maggie, once strictly a nickname, is now used independently as a full given name.
What is the origin of the name Maggie?
Maggie has Greek via Latin, Persian (via Greek), English, Irish, Scottish, and American origins. In Greek via Latin, it means "pearl". In Persian (via Greek), it means "child of light, precious gem".
Is Maggie a boy or girl name?
Maggie is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #299. As a boy name, it is ranked #31363. Maggie is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Maggie?
Maggie is pronounced m-AG-ee.
How popular is the name Maggie?
Maggie is currently ranked #299 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Maggie?
Common nicknames for Maggie include Mags.
What are good middle names for Maggie?
Popular middle name pairings include Maggie Rose, Maggie Grace, Maggie Jane, Maggie Lee, Maggie Mae, Maggie Claire, and Maggie Ruth.
What are good sibling names for Maggie?
Names that pair well with Maggie as siblings include Millie, Nellie, Lottie, Archie, Teddy, Charlie, and Josie.
How many syllables does Maggie have?
Maggie has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Maggie a common or rare name?
Maggie is a popular name, ranked #299 for girls. It is well-known without being overused.
About the Name Maggie
Maggie is a girl name with English, Irish, Scottish, and American origins . The name means "pearl" in Greek via Latin .
Is Maggie a boy or girl name? Maggie is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #299 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #31,363. Maggie is more commonly used as a girl name.
Maggie is currently ranked #299 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Maggie has 2 syllables and is pronounced m-AG-ee, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Maggie include Mags. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis