Margret

Margret is a German short form of the name Margarete and also appears in the Icelandic spelling Margrét. The origin of the name lies in the ancient Greek word margarites.

What does the name Margret mean?

The meaning of the name Margret is derived from the ancient Greek term margarites as well as the Latin word margarita, which means 'pearl'. Therefore, Margret is often associated with the beautiful name meaning 'the pearl'. The name gained popularity in the Middle Ages through the veneration of Saint Margareta of Antioch, who lived around 305 and is one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers. In Germany, Margret is primarily used as a given name for the variants Margarete, Margarethe, Margareta, and Margaretha, which were popular between the 19th and mid-20th centuries. International variants of the name include Margaret (English), Marguerite (French), Margherita (Italian), Margarida (Portuguese), and Margarita (Spanish, Russian, Bulgarian). Common short and pet forms include Greta, Gretchen, Grete, Gretel, Grethe, Grit, Maggie, Marga, Margit, Margot, Marit, Megan, Meta, Mette, Peggy, and Rita.

Where does the name Margret come from?

The name has its roots in the Latin word margarita, which means 'pearl' and traces back to the ancient Greek word margarites, which in turn has its origin in Persian.

How do you pronounce Margret?

The pronunciation of Margret is two syllables and clearly structured. In German, the name is usually pronounced as 'Mar-gret' [ˈmaʁɡʁeːt], with the consonant cluster in the center creating a compact form. The long 'e' at the end brings brightness to the established structure. Margret conveys an impression of tradition, determination, and dignity.

When is the name day of Margret?

The name days for Margret are celebrated on January 18 (Margareta of Hungary), February 22 (Margarita of Cortona), May 28 (Margaret Pole), June 20 (Margareta Ebner), July 20 (Margareta of Antioch), October 16 (Margareta Maria Alacoque), October 29 (Margarete of Hohenfels), November 16 (Margareta of Scotland), and December 23 (Maria Margareta Dufrost de Lajemmerais).

Popularity

The popularity of the female first name Margret has undergone an irregular development in Germany. After the first recorded placements, Margret initially moved in the middle to less common range but experienced a rise in the 1930s and 1940s. Particularly between the late 1930s and early 1950s, Margret was temporarily very popular, reaching 35th place in 1949, marking its historical peak.

Nicknames & pet names

Grete / Gretel / Grtl / Mag / Maggi / Marge / Margi / Marnie / Meggy

Famous people

• Ann-Margret Holmgren (writer from Sweden)
• Ann-Margret Nirling (Swedish diver)
• Jona Margret Ragnarsdottir (Icelandic handball player)
• Margret Altacher (Austrian skier)
• Margret Bilger (Austrian artist)
• Margret Boveri (1900–1975, German journalist)
• Margret Brombacher (* 1945, Alemannic musician, poet, and author)
• Margret Dietrich (1920–2004, Austrian theater scholar)
• Margret Diwell (* 1951, German lawyer, president of the Constitutional Court of Berlin)
• Margret Eggenstein-Harutunian (Iranian writer)
• Margret Eicher (German artist)
• Margret Elizabeth Rey (German illustrator)
• Margret Fürer (German singer)
• Margret Galler (Austrian singer)
• Margret Göbl (German figure skater)
• Margret Heinemann (archaeologist from Germany)
• Margret Hermanns Auoardottir (Icelandic archaeologist)
• Margret Hofheinz-Doring (artist from Germany)
• Margret Hofheinz-Döring (German painter)
• Margret Homeyer (American actress)