Maisie

What does Maisie mean?

Maisie is a diminutive form that ultimately conveys the idea of a pearl, through its link to the older name Margaret. The sense of a small, cherished gem is at the heart of the name, and it carries a quietly precious quality.

The name feels bright, friendly and gently informal. It sits between vintage charm and contemporary warmth, so it often suggests someone lively, approachable and slightly whimsical rather than formal or austere.

Historical Context

Maisie began life as a pet form of Margaret, itself from the Greek word for pearl. Diminutives and affectionate forms were common across the British Isles, and Maisie emerged in Scottish and northern English usage as a familiar, everyday version of the older name.

Over the 19th and 20th centuries Maisie was used informally within families. It gained wider independent use in the late 20th century as parents sought names with vintage charm and a friendly, modern feel. Its popularity has ebbed and flowed, often rising when traditional names come back into favour in more informal shapes.

The name sits comfortably between formal and familiar naming trends. Where some families prefer the full Margaret for formality and tradition, Maisie stands on its own for those who favour warmth and immediate personality. Its history is straightforward, tied to the long life of Margaret but also shaped by local speech and family practice in Scotland and northern England.

Popularity of Maisie over time

In 2025, Maisie was given to 966 girls in the UK and 1,328 girls in the US. Maisie has risen sharply over the last 20 years, and is now a well-used girls' name in both the UK and the US.

What do parents think of Maisie?