"pearl"
Origin: Scottish/Greek
Language: English
Maisy
Girl Name
#801 Most Popular
Steady
2 Syllables
A sweet Scottish pearl name full of charm
English
Scottish
British
Australian
Whimsical
Playful
Vintage
Gentle
Classic
Meaning & Origin
"child of light"
Origin: Scottish
Language: English
The Story of Maisy
Maisy (also spelled Maisie) is a Scottish diminutive of Margaret, which comes from the Greek 'margarites' meaning 'pearl.' The name has been used as a familiar form in Scotland for centuries, similar to how Peggy derived from Margaret in England. The 'ay' spelling became particularly popular in the late 20th century as parents favored the more playful, informal look.
Maisy gained widespread attention in the English-speaking world partly through Lucy Cousins' beloved children's book series about Maisy Mouse, introduced in 1990. The character's charming, gentle personality aligned perfectly with the name's soft sound, making it a favorite among parents of young children throughout the 2000s and 2010s.
In Scotland, Maisie/Maisy has long been a common nickname used within families regardless of the child's formal given name being Margaret. It represents the warm, informal side of Scottish naming traditions. The name gained literary fame through J.M. Barrie's works and later through children's literature.
Fun Facts
- Maisy Mouse by Lucy Cousins has been translated into more than 35 languages worldwide
- Maisie/Maisy is also a nickname traditionally given to girls named Margaret in Scotland
- Henry James wrote the novel 'What Maisie Knew' (1897), one of the earliest novels told from a child's perspective
Maisy in Other Languages
French
Marguerite
German
Margarete
Italian
Margherita
Spanish
Margarita
Scottish Gaelic
Magaidh
Famous People Named Maisy
M
Maisie Peters
Musician
2000
British singer-songwriter signed to Ed Sheeran's Gingerbread Man label
M
Maisie Williams
Actor
1997
British actress known for playing Arya Stark in Game of Thrones
M
Maisy Mouse Fictional
Other
Beloved children's book character created by Lucy Cousins in 1990, star of over 70 books and animated TV series
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #801
- Total SSA Count
- 350
- Cultural Origins
- English Scottish British Australian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Mais
May
Pairs Well With
Maisy Rose
Maisy Jane
Maisy Grace
Maisy Claire
Maisy Belle
Maisy Lou
Maisy Anne
Sibling Names
Similar Names
Same Origin Names (English)
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Maisy
What does the name Maisy mean?
"pearl" (from Scottish/Greek). "child of light" (from Scottish). Maisy (also spelled Maisie) is a Scottish diminutive of Margaret, which comes from the Greek 'margarites' meaning 'pearl.' The name has been used as a familiar form in Scotland for centuries, similar to how Peggy derived from Margaret in England. The 'ay' spelling became particularly popular in the late 20th century as parents favored the more playful, informal look.
What is the origin of the name Maisy?
Maisy has Scottish/Greek, Scottish, English, British, and Australian origins. In Scottish/Greek, it means "pearl". In Scottish, it means "child of light".
Is Maisy a boy or girl name?
Maisy is primarily used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Maisy?
Maisy is currently ranked #801 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Maisy?
Common nicknames for Maisy include Mais and May.
What are good middle names for Maisy?
Popular middle name pairings include Maisy Rose, Maisy Jane, Maisy Grace, Maisy Claire, Maisy Belle, Maisy Lou, and Maisy Anne.
What are good sibling names for Maisy?
Names that pair well with Maisy as siblings include Daisy, Poppy, Theo, Archie, Elsie, Harriet, and Jasper.
How many syllables does Maisy have?
Maisy has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Maisy a common or rare name?
Maisy is moderately common, ranked #801 for girls in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
About the Name Maisy
Maisy is a girl name with English, Scottish, British, and Australian origins . The name means "pearl" in Scottish/Greek .
Maisy is currently ranked #801 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Maisy has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Maisy include Mais and May. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Maisy include Maisie, Maisyn, Maisey, Maisley . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.