Peggy

Pronounced: PEG-ee

Meaning: Pearl

Gender: Girl
Origin: Greek
Language: English (British)

What does Peggy mean?

Peggy is a familiar, affectionate form that ultimately traces back to the name Margaret, which in its original language denotes a small, lustrous gem. The name carries the sense of something precious and quietly luminous rather than loud or showy.

On the ear, Peggy feels friendly and a little cheeky. It suggests warmth, approachability and an old-fashioned charm that has seen renewed interest as parents look for names with personality and history but without formality.

❤️ Why Parents Choose This Name

It has vintage charm while feeling playful and approachable for everyday use.
The name is short and easy to pronounce across English-speaking communities.
It connects to the long, solid tradition of Margaret without using the more formal full name.
It carries a wholesome, down-to-earth personality that suits both childhood and adulthood.
It offers simple, recognisable nicknames and strong pairing options for middle names and siblings.

Historical Context

Peggy developed as a pet form of Margaret, a name brought into English through Old French and ultimately from the Greek word for the pearl. Over centuries, English nicknaming patterns produced a surprising number of variants by playful sound changes. Just as Margaret gave rise to Meg and Meggie, a rhyming shift produced Peg and Peggy as familiar alternatives.

By the 17th and 18th centuries Peggy was well established in spoken English and appears in literature and parish records. It retained popularity into the early 20th century and now enjoys a retro revival among parents who want a name with character and warmth rather than trend-driven novelty. While closely tied to Margaret, Peggy has long stood on its own as an independent name choice.