Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Maggie is a diminutive of Margaret, originating from Greek meaning 'pearl'. It evolved from Margaret through various languages and gained popularity in the 19th century. The name is associated with friendly traits and has notable famous bearers.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈmæɡi/
Origin
Greek
Etymology
Maggie is a diminutive form of the name Margaret, which is derived from the Greek name 'Margaretēs', meaning 'pearl'.
Meaning
Pearl
Language Evolution
Margaret (Old French: Marguerite), Margaret (Latin: Margarita), Maggie (English)
Historical Usage
Maggie gained popularity as a standalone name in the 19th century, particularly in English-speaking countries, often as a nickname for Margaret.
Variants & Derivatives
Margaret, Mags, Meg
Modern Popularity & Image
Maggie is viewed as a friendly and approachable name, often associated with warmth and charm.
Famous People
Maggie Smith, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Maggie Q
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 1,874 peak births in 2007
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Mississippi
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 11 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (4 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 4 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 3075th of 7545 | 116 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 3290th of 6773 | 96 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 13208th of 16616 | 13 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 16764th of 24088 | 22 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 148th of 9107 | 28,545 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 259th of 9204 | 11,803 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 480th of 12526 | 6,820 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 590th of 19264 | 4,717 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 293rd of 27321 | 14,432 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 213th of 35406 | 24,718 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 271st of 30306 | 14,264 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - |
95.07% 2237th/2353 |
- |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - |
60.11% 4396th/7313 |
- |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
34.39% 487th/1416 |
52.50% 724th/1379 |
3.30% 78th/2366 |
40.11% 458th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
42.69% 660th/1546 |
64.52% 1004th/1556 |
6.50% 153rd/2353 |
31.35% 485th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
34.53% 769th/2227 |
35.06% 852nd/2430 |
11.18% 319th/2853 |
25.23% 700th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
18.05% 530th/2937 |
19.15% 667th/3483 |
15.09% 531st/3518 |
17.11% 692nd/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
5.92% 218th/3685 |
6.97% 312th/4475 |
5.76% 299th/5194 |
7.27% 459th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
3.69% 169th/4582 |
3.91% 202nd/5164 |
2.61% 191st/7313 |
4.61% 344th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
5.80% 231st/3984 |
6.89% 309th/4487 |
3.44% 235th/6822 |
5.59% 351st/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Mississippi across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the G.I. Generation generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for female in MidWest, too falling for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, falling for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 3075th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 3290th out of 6773 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 13208th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 16764th out of 24088 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 148th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 259th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 480th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 590th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 293rd out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 213th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 271st out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.