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Maisie

♀ Girl

Pronounced MAY-zee /ˈmeɪzi/High

Meaning: PearlHigh

In 30 seconds: A sunny Scottish pet form of Margaret meaning 'pearl.' Maisie is the bouncy, joyful cousin of the classic — irresistible charm in two syllables, perfect for a girl full of personality.
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Origin HighScottish, Greek
MeaningPearl
U.S. rank (2025)#233 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births1,328 girls (0.08% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2025
Total births (all-time)≈ 12,946

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202518902025

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

History & Origin

Maisie is a Scottish diminutive of Mairead, the Scottish Gaelic form of Margaret. Margaret derives from the Greek margarites (μαργαρίτης) meaning 'pearl,' which was itself borrowed from Persian margārit (pearl). The name Margaret was enormously popular throughout medieval Europe, borne by queens, saints, and martyrs, and Maisie was one of its most affectionate diminutives.

Henry James used Maisie as the heroine of his 1897 novel What Maisie Knew, lending it a literary pedigree. After a long period of quiet, Maisie has surged back into fashion in the 2010s, particularly in the U.K. and Australia. It ranked in the U.K. top 20 for girls and has been climbing in the U.S.

Did you know? Maisie is the Scottish diminutive of Mairead (the Scottish/Irish form of Margaret), which ultimately comes from the Greek margarites, meaning 'pearl.'
Overall data confidence 93%
Behind the Name — Maisie — etymology and Scottish originU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

MaisyMazieMargaret

Nicknames

MayMae

Famous Bearers

  • ★Maisie Williams (1997–present)
    British actress celebrated for her role as Arya Stark in Game of Thrones.

If you like Maisie…

Mabel— Victorian-era nickname-name revival with the same adorable, two-syllable charm
Daisy— cheerful floral nickname with the same breezy vintage energy
Elsie— Scottish diminutive of Elizabeth with the same sunny, retro-sweet appeal
Flossie— affectionate vintage nickname name with the same irresistible bounce

Frequently Asked

What does the name Maisie mean?

Maisie means 'pearl,' as a Scottish diminutive of Mairead (Margaret), from the Greek margarites.

How do you pronounce Maisie?

It is said MAY-zee /ˈmeɪzi/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Maisie a boy or girl name?

Maisie is used almost exclusively as a girls' name.

How popular is Maisie?

Maisie is in the U.K. top 20 for girls and has been rising steadily in the U.S. top 300.