Maggie
Maggie is a girl name of Greek origin meaning “Pearl”, pronounced MAG-ee. It ranked #294 in the United States in 2025, given to 1,041 babies, and peaked at #46 in 1880. Common nicknames: Mags, Meg.
How popular is Maggie in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Maggie mean, and where does it come from?
Maggie began as a diminutive of Margaret, which derives from the Greek "margarites" meaning "pearl." Though long used only as a nickname, Maggie has been given increasingly often as a formal first name in its own right since the late 20th century, valued for its warm, spunky, approachable character. It has been carried by numerous cultural figures, from the title character of the classic song "Maggie May" to Maggie Simpson of The Simpsons. Its short, friendly sound offers an appealing alternative to the more formal Margaret while retaining the same pearl-associated meaning.
How is Maggie used around the world?
Maggie is used in 1 languages worldwide, with 27+ international variants.
TypeFemale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Maggie?
Famous People Named Maggie
- Maggie Smith — English actress and Academy Award winner
- Maggie Gyllenhaal — American actress and director
- Maggie Simpson — animated character from The Simpsons
Similar Names to Maggie
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Sibling Name Ideas for Maggie
Looking for names that pair well with Maggie? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Maggie mean?
Maggie is a girl name of Greek origin meaning "Pearl." Maggie began as a diminutive of Margaret, which derives from the Greek "margarites" meaning "pearl." Though long used only as a nickname, Maggie has been given increasingly often as a formal first name in its own right since the late 20th century, valued for its warm, spunky, approachable character.
How do you pronounce Maggie?
Maggie is pronounced MAG-ee. Common variations include Maggy, Magie, Maggee.
Is Maggie a girl name?
Yes, Maggie is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Mags, Meg.