Margaret

Origin

Greek origin, from 'Margaretēs' meaning 'pearl'. The name became popular in medieval Europe through Saint Margaret of Antioch. In Australian contexts, it was introduced via British settlers and has a long-standing Christian association, often linked to historical figures and religious devotion. Notably, it lacks direct Aboriginal or Māori roots.

Meaning

Pearl — symbolising purity, innocence, and value in Australian English contexts. The name often evokes a sense of classic elegance and tradition in Australia.

Pronunciation

/mɑːˈɡɑːrɡət/ (Australian English) - stress on the second syllable, with a soft 'g' as in 'garden'. The pronunciation is consistent across Australia, with subtle regional variations.

Variants & Nicknames

Name Days

• 20 July (Feast of Saint Margaret of Antioch)
• 26 January (Australia Day, more loosely associated as a national celebration, not a name day)
• 15 July (Feast of Saint Margaret Queen of Scotland)

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with margaret:

• Elizabeth and Margaret
• Anne and Margaret
• Charlotte and Margaret

Fun Facts

• The name Margaret has been borne by several Australian Prime Ministers' spouses.
• Australian Commonwealth federal figures often had the name, reflecting its popularity among early settlers.
• In Australian literature, Margaret is often used for characters symbolising virtue or tradition.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name margaret:

• Virtuous
• Traditional
• Elegant
• Resilient

Aesthetic Qualities

Classic and timeless, with an elegant typographic presence. The name's visual appeal is enhanced by its historical associations and versatile nickname options.

Geographical Distribution

Common throughout Australia, with higher concentrations in Victorian and New South Wales urban areas due to historical settlement patterns. Slightly less common in remote and rural communities.

Numerological Significance

Name number 7 — associated with introspection, spiritual awareness, and analytical qualities, often viewed as wise and thoughtful in numerological traditions.

Astrological Connections

No specific zodiac association, but the name's character traits align with qualities of Virgo (practicality, attention to detail) or Cancer (nurturing, loyalty) depending on individual birth charts.

Historical Context

Borne by notable Australian figures such as Margaret Court, a renowned tennis player, and Margaret Whitlam, wife of former Prime Minister Gough Whitlam. Fictional characters in Australian literature and media often reflect traditional virtues associated with the name.

Linguistic Adaptability

The name adapts well to many languages, often maintains its form as 'Margaret' across cultures, with slight pronunciation variations. In non-English languages, it may take forms like Margareta or Margarita.

Famous People Named margaret

• Margaret Court (Tennis Player)
• Margaret Whitlam (Activist, Wife of Prime Minister Gough Whitlam)
• Margaret Fulton (Cookbook Author)

Popularity in Australia