Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Peggy is an English name derived from Margaret, which means 'pearl' and has roots in Greek. It evolved through various historical forms, reflecting its journey through languages. The name is often characterized by traits of warmth and familiarity, though it does not have a biblical background. It gained popularity in the 18th century and remains a charming choice today.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈpɛɡi/
Origin
English
Etymology
Peggy is often considered a diminutive form of Margaret, which comes from the Greek name Margaritēs, meaning 'pearl.' The name has evolved through various languages over centuries.
Meaning
pearl
Language Evolution
Margaret (English), Margaritēs (Greek), Margarita (Latin), Margarete (Old French)
Historical Usage
Peggy gained popularity in the 18th century as a familiar form of Margaret and became a standalone name over time.
Variants & Derivatives
Peg, Meg, Margaret
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Peggy is viewed as a charming and vintage name, often associated with warmth and friendliness.
Famous People
Peggy Lee (singer), Peggy Fleming (figure skater), Peggy Noonan (writer and political analyst)
📊 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 10,084 peak births in 1958
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in West Virginia
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 (5 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 5 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 | 5048th of 7545 | 31 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 1524th of 6773 | 382 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 1986th of 7552 | 307 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 4666th of 10718 | 78 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 187th of 9107 | 20,056 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 44th of 9204 | 101,074 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 55th of 12526 | 143,625 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 207th of 19264 | 23,191 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 859th of 27321 | 3,416 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 3849th of 35406 | 588 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 6095th of 30306 | 242 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - |
66.94% 1575th/2353 |
73.11% 1131st/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
11.16% 158th/1416 |
14.72% 203rd/1379 |
7.19% 170th/2366 |
9.37% 107th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
4.14% 64th/1546 |
7.90% 123rd/1556 |
0.81% 19th/2353 |
3.43% 53rd/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
2.07% 46th/2227 |
5.35% 130th/2430 |
1.33% 38th/2853 |
2.02% 56th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
5.48% 161st/2937 |
7.52% 262nd/3483 |
5.32% 187th/3518 |
6.90% 279th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
20.71% 763rd/3685 |
22.61% 1012th/4475 |
14.04% 729th/5194 |
19.53% 1234th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
100.00% 4582nd/4582 |
65.14% 3364th/5164 |
63.09% 4614th/7313 |
66.02% 4927th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- |
94.54% 4242nd/4487 |
- |
87.41% 5486th/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 West Virginia across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Silent 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, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled 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 male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 5048th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1524th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 1986th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 4666th out of 10718 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 187th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 44th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 55th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 207th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 859th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 3849th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 6095th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.