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Maggie

♀ Girl

Pronounced MAG-ee /ˈmæɡi/High

Meaning: Pearl — as a diminutive of MargaretHigh

In 30 seconds: A spunky English diminutive of Margaret meaning 'pearl.' Maggie is one of the most beloved nickname-names in the English language — approachable, warm, and brimming with personality; the name that always makes people smile.
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Origin HighEnglish, Scottish
MeaningPearl — as a diminutive of Margaret
U.S. rank (2025)#294 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births1,041 girls (0.06% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2007
Total births (all-time)≈ 123,064

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200718802025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Maggie is an English and Scottish diminutive of Margaret, derived from the Greek margarites (μαργαρίτης) meaning 'pearl,' itself borrowed from Persian margārit. Margaret was one of the most popular names in medieval Europe, borne by queens, saints, and martyrs, and Maggie was its most affectionate English-Scottish diminutive.

Maggie has been a beloved given name and nickname in the English-speaking world for centuries. In recent years it has been reviving as a standalone name, entering the top 200 for girls in the U.S. as parents seek names that are warm and accessible without being generic.

Did you know? The Rolling Stones' song Wild Horses was reportedly written by Keith Richards for the birth of his son — but their song Maggie May (originally by Rod Stewart) made Maggie one of the most musically iconic names of the 1970s.
Overall data confidence 95%
Behind the Name — Maggie — etymology notesU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

MargaretMagsMarguerite

Nicknames

MagsMagz

Famous Bearers

  • ★Maggie Smith (1934–2024)
    British actress, two-time Academy Award winner, beloved for Downton Abbey and Harry Potter.

If you like Maggie…

Maisie— Scottish diminutive of Margaret with the same pearl meaning and vintage charm
Millie— English nickname-name in the same Victorian-to-modern warm revival wave
Nellie— affectionate English diminutive-name with the same grandma-cool revival energy
Elsie— Scottish diminutive with the same warm, sunny, vintage-nickname personality

Frequently Asked

What does the name Maggie mean?

Maggie means 'pearl,' as a diminutive of Margaret, from the Greek margarites.

How do you pronounce Maggie?

It is said MAG-ee /ˈmæɡi/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Maggie a boy or girl name?

Maggie is used almost exclusively as a girls' name.

How popular is Maggie?

Maggie has entered the U.S. top 200 for girls and continues to rise as a vintage revival.