Girl · 55th of 12,526
Peggy
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
293,549
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1958
Peak Popularity Year
10,084
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Peggy stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
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 Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
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
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
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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
Compare 5 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
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
Full popularity table across American generations 11 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |