Meg

♀ Girl

Pronounced MEG /ˈmɛɡ/High

Meaning: Meg is a classic short form of Margaret, from the Greek margarites, 'pearl'. Warm and enduring, it is best loved as the eldest March sister in Louisa May Alcott's Little Women.High

In 30 seconds: A pearl in one beat: Meg is short for Margaret, 'pearl' (said 'MEG'), beloved from Little Women.

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Origin MediumGreek, English

MeaningMeg is a classic short form of Margaret, from the Greek margarites, 'pearl'. Warm and enduring, it is best loved as the eldest March sister in Louisa May Alcott's Little Women.

U.S. rank (2022)#14712 ↘ Falling

2022 U.S. births6 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1959

Total births (all-time)≈ 5,321

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

Meg is a short form of Margaret, from the Greek for 'pearl'. A homey nickname for centuries, it saw modest use as a given name in mid-century America, cresting around 1959, helped by the warmth of literary Megs like Little Women's eldest sister. It has stayed a gentle, well-loved short name.

Uncommon as a full given name now, it keeps a friendly, classic charm. Simple, warm, and timeless.

Did you know? Meg is Margaret's cozy short form — 'pearl' — carried by the eldest March sister in Little Women, with its modest peak around 1959.

Overall data confidence 75%

References — Meg — Short form of Margaret; Greek 'pearl'

Variations

MargaretMeggieMegan

Nicknames

MeggiePeg

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Meg…

Margaret— the full name Meg shortens

Maggie— a similar warm Margaret short form

Greta— a like short Margaret-family name

May— a similarly popular pick

Marge— another classic pick

Explore names like Meg

By themevintage short classic literary

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Meg mean?

Meg is a short form of Margaret, from the Greek word for 'pearl'.

How do you pronounce Meg?

It's said MEG /ˈmɛɡ/ — one syllable.

Is Meg a boy or girl name?

Meg is used as a girl's name.

Is Meg making a comeback?

Meg is uncommon as a full given name today but keeps steady appeal as a warm short form of Margaret.