M is for Margaret

Margaret. The under-appreciated classic that has it all. Margaret. Can you ask for a classier name? Unfortunately, Margaret has been left by the wayside for the past half-century. Over that time, it got an old, unfashionable image. Margaret. That old librarian who smelled like ben-gay and fifteen-year-old books. Use Margaret for an adorable baby? Absolutely not.

Despite unfortunate opinions like these, I think Margaret's day is due. It's the name of queens, saints (including one called Margaret the Barefooted), and prime ministers. It sounds upright, impeccable, and strong. It's nickname selections range from spunky to super-cute. Consider:

Maggie

Mago (pronounced MAH-go, I think)

Maisie

Mamie

Meg/Peg

Greta

And if Margaret's not your pace, how about it's international variations?

Gita

Gituska

Gretchen/Grete

Gretel

Grieta

Mairead (MAU-reed)

Makelesi (MAH-ka-lee-see)

Mared

Marga/Margit/Margita

Margo/Margot/Margaux

Margreta

Marguerite/Margarethe

Margarita/Margareta

Marjatta

Margara

Margisia

Marka/Marketa

Megan/Meaghan

Meta

Rita

Marjorie/Margery

And, if I haven't mentioned it before, Margaret is my very favorite name.