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Home › Baby Names Directory › Madge

Madge

♀ Girl

Pronounced MAJ /ˈmædʒ/High

Meaning: A pet form of Margaret, from the Greek margarites, 'pearl.' It was used as a standalone name in the early twentieth century.Medium

In 30 seconds: Madge is a pet form of Margaret, from Greek for 'pearl' (said 'MAJ').
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Origin MediumGreek, English
MeaningA pet form of Margaret, from the Greek margarites, 'pearl.' It was used as a standalone name in the early twentieth century.
U.S. rank (2016)#17836 ↘ Falling
2016 U.S. births5 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1920
Total births (all-time)≈ 13,430

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 192018802016

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Madge is an affectionate form of Margaret, from the Greek margarites, 'pearl.' Common as a standalone name in the early twentieth century, it crested around 1920 and then slipped from fashion, now a brisk, vintage pet-form.

Given to several hundred girls a year at its height, Madge now reads as an Edwardian-era name.

Did you know? Madge peaked around 1920 and had faded by mid-century, a snappy Edwardian short form of Margaret.
Overall data confidence 78%
References — Madge — Pet form of Margaret; Greek margarites

Variations

MargeMadgieMargaret

Nicknames

Madgie

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Madge…

Marge— a sister short form of Margaret
Greta— a like Margaret-family name
Maisie— a like vintage pet name
May— a similarly popular pick
Mayme— a similarly popular pick

Explore names like Madge

By themevintagediminutive1920sgreek-root

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Madge mean?

Madge is a pet form of Margaret, from the Greek for 'pearl.'

How do you pronounce Madge?

It's said MAJ /ˈmædʒ/ — one syllable.

Is Madge a boy or girl name?

Madge is used as a girl's name.

Is Madge making a comeback?

Possibly — it's an Edwardian-era favorite long out of use, but punchy vintage pet names like it are the sort now drawing new interest.

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