"pearl"
Origin: Greek
Language: Greek
Margo
Pronunciation: [ m-AHRG-oh ]
Does Margo flow with your last name?
A chic French gem meaning 'pearl'
French
English
Eastern European
American
Vintage
Elegant
Literary
Sophisticated
Whimsical
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Meaning & Origin
"precious gem"
Origin: Latin
Language: Latin
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The Story of Margo
Margo is a French and Eastern European short form of Margaret, which derives from the Greek 'margarites' meaning 'pearl'. The name traveled from the ancient Sanskrit 'manjari' through Persian 'murvarid' to Greek 'margarites', eventually giving us Margaret and its many diminutives including Margot (the more common French spelling) and Margo. Pearls were among the most precious gems in antiquity, making this name a symbol of great value.
Margo has been rising significantly in the 2010s and 2020s as parents rediscover vintage French names. The spelling Margot (more common in France) and Margo have both been gaining ground. Margot Robbie's profile has given the name fresh cultural currency, helping it re-enter top name lists across English-speaking countries.
In French culture, Margot has long been associated with elegance and a certain romantic Parisian quality. The name gained literary fame through Hemingway's short story 'The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber', which features a character named Margot. In Eastern Europe, particularly Poland and the Czech Republic, the form Markéta is common.
Historical Record
Margo first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 20,184 babies have been named Margo in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Margo is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #544 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Saint Margaret of Antioch is one of the most popular saints in medieval Christianity
- Margot Robbie's success has revived interest in this name in English-speaking countries
- The word 'margarita' (both the cocktail and the daisy) shares the same Greek root as Margaret
Margo in Other Languages
Czech
Markéta
French
Margot
German
Margarete
Polish
Małgorzata
Italian
Margherita
Spanish
Margarita
Popularity Over Time
#544
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Margo
M
M
Margo Channing Fictional
Other
The iconic stage actress protagonist in the 1950 film All About Eve, played by Bette Davis
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Compare Margo with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #544
- Total SSA Count
- 555
- Cultural Origins
- French English Eastern European American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Maggie
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, 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
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Margo
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Margo is also used as a boy name, ranked #23496.
View Margo as a boy name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (French)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Margo
What does the name Margo mean?
"pearl" (from Greek). "precious gem" (from Latin). Margo is a French and Eastern European short form of Margaret, which derives from the Greek 'margarites' meaning 'pearl'. The name traveled from the ancient Sanskrit 'manjari' through Persian 'murvarid' to Greek 'margarites', eventually giving us Margaret and its many diminutives including Margot (the more common French spelling) and Margo. Pearls were among the most precious gems in antiquity, making this name a symbol of great value.
What is the origin of the name Margo?
Margo has Greek, Latin, French, English, Eastern European, and American origins. In Greek, it means "pearl". In Latin, it means "precious gem".
Is Margo a boy or girl name?
Margo is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #544. As a boy name, it is ranked #23496. Margo is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Margo?
Margo is pronounced m-AHRG-oh.
How popular is the name Margo?
Margo is currently ranked #544 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Margo?
Common nicknames for Margo include Maggie.
What are good middle names for Margo?
Popular middle name pairings include Margo Rose, Margo Louise, Margo Claire, Margo Josephine, Margo Elise, and Margo Lane.
What are good sibling names for Margo?
Names that pair well with Margo as siblings include Hugo, Cleo, Felix, Iris, Otto, and Vera.
How many syllables does Margo have?
Margo has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Margo a common or rare name?
Margo is moderately common, ranked #544 for girls in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
What girl names are similar to Margo?
About the Name Margo
Margo is a girl name with French, English, Eastern European, and American origins . The name means "pearl" in Greek .
Is Margo a boy or girl name? Margo is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #544 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #23,496. Margo is more commonly used as a girl name.
Margo is currently ranked #544 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Margo has 2 syllables and is pronounced m-AHRG-oh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Margo include Maggie. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Margo include Margaret, Margot, Margaux, Margarita, Marguerite . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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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