Of Greek origin.
From the Greek word “μαργαρίτης”, margarites, meaning “pearl”.
Ancient Greeks found out about pearls during the expeditions of Alexander the Great in Persia.
So, the Greek word is considered a borrow from the Sanskrit “mañjarī”, meaning pearl.
It was later translated into Latin as Margarita.
The Latin-Italian “margarita”, and Greek “μαργαρίτα” (margarita) are also used to describe the daisy flower, known as marguerite daisy in English.
Saint Margaret of Antioch, also known as Marina, is the patron of childbirth.
She was the beautiful daughter of a pagan priest who converted to Christianity and she martyred at Antioch in the 4th century. Legend says she escaped from a dragon.
Margaret was widely used due to the saint’s popularity during the Middle Ages.
The name is common among European royalty.
Therefore, this is a very meaningful name because of the association with the pearls.
Pearls were extremely symbolic in many cultures. From China to Persia, from Ancient Egypt to the Greek antiquity even as far as Tahiti, this gem has always been in the center of many beautiful myths.
According to an ancient Greek myth, pearls were the joyful tears of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of beauty and love.
Pearls are supposedly the bearers of luck and wisdom. They have also been associated with peace and wealth.
Other forms of the name are Margarita, Marguerite, Margherita, Margareta, Margo, Margot, Margrit, Margery, Rita, Gretel, Greta, Gretchen, Margaretta, Maggie, Marjorie, Marjory, May, Maisie, Peggy, Mette, Marita, Megan.
Famous bearers are Queen Margaret I of Denmark, Margaret Thatcher, Margaret Mitchell, Princess Margaret, Margaret Cho, Margaret Atwood, Marguerite Duras, Marguerite Moreau, Margaret Avery, Margaret Court.