Peggy is a charming and distinctive name with an interesting history and origin. It is essentially a diminutive form of the name Margaret, which has its roots in Latin and Greek languages.
The name Margaret comes from the Latin word 'margarita', which means 'pearl'. This name was given to daughters born into royal families or those who were considered precious and valuable like pearls. The Greek origin of the name is also attributed to the margarite, a flower that symbolized love and joy.
The name Peggy evolved from Margaret over time as a popular nickname used for girls named Margaret. It became especially fashionable in English-speaking countries during the Victorian era (1837-1901) when it was often given to baby girls born into middle-class families who wanted their daughters to have a traditional yet friendly-sounding name.
Over the years, Peggy has become an established name in its own right, no longer just a nickname for Margaret. It has been borne by many notable figures throughout history such as American actress Peggy Lipton (1946-2017) and British suffragette Peggy Ashcroft (1907-1991). Today, Peggy continues to be chosen by parents who appreciate its unique sound and vintage charm.
The name Peggy has a rich history of usage in the United States, with a total of 292,732 babies born with this name over the years. The popularity of the name Peggy began to rise in the late 1800s, with just 13 births recorded in 1880. However, by 1890, the number of Peggy births had nearly doubled, reaching 23.
The early 1900s saw a significant increase in the popularity of the name Peggy, with 77 births recorded in 1900. This trend continued throughout the decade, peaking at 150 births in 1908. However, the popularity of the name began to decline in the 1910s, with only 373 births recorded in 1914.
Despite the decline in popularity, Peggy remained a relatively common name throughout the mid-20th century. In the 1950s and 1960s, there were consistently around 5,000 Peggy births per year. However, by the late 1970s, the number of Peggy births had begun to decline once again.
In recent years, the name Peggy has become less common, with only 24 births recorded in 2023. Despite this decline, the name still holds historical significance and remains a part of American naming tradition.