"Mary's gold, golden flower of Mary"
Origin: English
Language: English
Marigold
Pronunciation: [ m-EHR-uhg-ohld ]
Girl Name
#693 Most Popular
Rising
3 Syllables
A sun-gold vintage bloom ready for a glorious comeback
English
American
British
Vintage
Whimsical
Earthy
Literary
Playful
Meaning & Origin
"golden bloom"
Origin: Middle English
Language: English
The Story of Marigold
Marigold is composed of 'Mary' and 'gold' — a flower named in honor of the Virgin Mary, combined with its brilliant golden-orange color. The flower (Calendula) has been cultivated since ancient times in Europe, Africa, and Asia, used in medieval garlands and herbal medicine. As a given name, Marigold was most popular in Britain in the early 20th century, fell from use mid-century, and is now experiencing a charming revival as parents rediscover Edwardian flower names.
Marigold fell from favor in mid-20th century Britain but is staging a vibrant comeback. The character Lady Marigold Doyle in Downton Abbey (2012-2015) brought renewed attention, while the broader vintage flower name revival (Violet, Primrose, Dahlia) has carried Marigold along with it.
Marigolds carry profound cross-cultural significance: sacred to ancient Aztecs, central to Mexico's Dia de los Muertos as cempasuchil (guiding spirits home), and important in Hindu festivals. In Britain, Marigold evokes Edwardian garden parties and country house elegance.
Fun Facts
- Marigolds (calendula) have been used in herbal medicine for over 500 years to treat inflammation and heal wounds
- In Mexico, marigolds called cempasuchil are the official flower of Dia de los Muertos, used to guide spirits home
- Princess Marigold appears as a recurring character in Andrew Lang's fairy tale collections
Marigold in Other Languages
Hindi
Genda
French
Souci
German
Ringelblume
Spanish
Calendula
Famous People Named Marigold
L
Lady Marigold Doyle Fictional
Other
Character in the British period drama Downton Abbey (2012-2015), the daughter of Lady Edith Crawley
P
Princess Marigold Fictional
Other
Princess character appearing in Andrew Lang's fairy tale collections, popular in Victorian and Edwardian children's lite...
Princess character appearing in Andrew Lang's fairy tale collections, popular in Victorian and Edwardian children's literature
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #693
- Total SSA Count
- 406
- Cultural Origins
- English American British
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Mari
Goldie
Merry
Gold
Pairs Well With
Marigold Rose
Marigold June
Marigold Pearl
Marigold Claire
Marigold Faye
Marigold Anne
Marigold Elizabeth
Sibling Names
Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Marigold
What does the name Marigold mean?
"Mary's gold, golden flower of Mary" (from English). "golden bloom" (from Middle English). Marigold is composed of 'Mary' and 'gold' — a flower named in honor of the Virgin Mary, combined with its brilliant golden-orange color. The flower (Calendula) has been cultivated since ancient times in Europe, Africa, and Asia, used in medieval garlands and herbal medicine. As a given name, Marigold was most popular in Britain in the early 20th century, fell from use mid-century, and is now experiencing a charming revival as parents rediscover Edwardian flower names.
What is the origin of the name Marigold?
Marigold has English, Middle English, American, and British origins. In English, it means "Mary's gold, golden flower of Mary". In Middle English, it means "golden bloom".
Is Marigold a boy or girl name?
Marigold is primarily used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Marigold?
Marigold is pronounced m-EHR-uhg-ohld.
How popular is the name Marigold?
Marigold is currently ranked #693 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Marigold?
Common nicknames for Marigold include Mari, Goldie, Merry, and Gold.
What are good middle names for Marigold?
Popular middle name pairings include Marigold Rose, Marigold June, Marigold Pearl, Marigold Claire, Marigold Faye, Marigold Anne, and Marigold Elizabeth.
What are good sibling names for Marigold?
Names that pair well with Marigold as siblings include Primrose, Violet, Clementine, Barnaby, Jasper, Hazel, and Fletcher.
How many syllables does Marigold have?
Marigold has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Marigold a common or rare name?
Marigold is moderately common, ranked #693 for girls in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
About the Name Marigold
Marigold is a girl name with English, American, and British origins . The name means "Mary's gold, golden flower of Mary" in English .
Marigold is currently ranked #693 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Marigold has 3 syllables and is pronounced m-EHR-uhg-ohld, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Marigold include Mari, Goldie, Merry, and Gold. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Marigold include Maria, Mariana, Mariah, Mariam, Marie . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.