Origin and meaning of the name Marjorie

Marjorie is an Old French given name derived from the Latin Margarita, which means "pearl." It emerged during the Middle Ages and became popular in England due to the Normans' influence. The Norman form, Margerite, was used to translate the Latin name into Old English, leading to the creation of Marjorie as a variant in English-speaking regions.

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The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Marjorie

Marjorie is a feminine given name of English origin, derived from the name Marguerite, which itself comes from the Latin Margarita, meaning "pearl." The name Marguerite was popularized by Margaret, the Virgin Mary's title as the "Pearl of the Sea," and was brought to England during the Crusades. Marjorie became a common variant in England around the Middle Ages and later spread to other English-speaking countries. It saw a resurgence in popularity in the early 20th century, particularly in the United States, due to its association with the marjoram herb, which was named after the Virgin Mary and also had the connotation of being delicate yet strong, similar to the idealized image of womanhood during that era. Marjorie is a name that symbolizes purity, strength, and elegance, making it a timeless choice for parents seeking a classic yet meaningful name for their daughter.

Character traits associated with the name Marjorie

Marjorie is often characterized as a friendly and sociable individual. She is known for her outgoing nature, making connections easily and maintaining strong relationships with friends and family. Her kindness and compassion are frequently noted, with a natural ability to empathize and offer support to those around her. Marjorie demonstrates a strong sense of responsibility and reliability, often taking on leadership roles in social settings or community organizations. She is also known for her love of learning and intellectual curiosity, constantly seeking new knowledge and experiences. However, she can sometimes be perceived as overly talkative or domineering due to her assertive personality. Overall, Marjorie's warmth, enthusiasm, and strong sense of responsibility make her a beloved figure in the lives of those fortunate enough to know her.

Popularity of the name Marjorie

Marjorie is a female given name of English origin, derived from the Latin Margarita, which means pearl. The name Marjorie peaked in popularity in the early to mid-20th century and has since declined. In the United States, according to data from the Social Security Administration, Marjorie was among the top 100 most popular names for girls born between 1915 and 1964. However, by the year 2000, it had fallen out of the top 1000 most popular names. As of 2021, Marjorie ranks at approximately number 3800 in terms of popularity for newborn girls in the United States. The name remains somewhat common among older generations but is less frequently chosen for newborns. Nonetheless, it continues to be a name with historical significance and charm.

Famous people with the name Marjorie

Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings (1896-1964) was an American author best known for her Pulitzer Prize-winning novel "The Yearling" (1938), which tells the story of a young boy and his relationship with a pet deer in rural Florida during the early 20th century. Rawlings also wrote "Cross Creek" (1942), a memoir about her life on a small farm in Florida, which was later adapted into a movie. Marjorie Harvey is an American model and television personality who is the wife of media mogul Steve Harvey. She has been a frequent guest on his talk show, "Steve" and is involved in various philanthropic endeavors. Marjorie Prime, written by Jordan Harrison, is a play about an elderly man named Marjorie who has a hologram companion designed to share her memories with her. The play explores themes of memory, identity, and technology. Lastly, Marjorie Cameron (1922-1979), also known as "The Witch of Marin," was an influential figure in the Beat Generation and the counterculture movement of the 1960s. She was a painter, writer, and filmmaker who was involved with the Church of Scientology.

Variations of the name Marjorie

Marjorie is primarily a feminine given name of English origin, derived from the Latin Margarita, which means "pearl." The name has several variations, including:

1. Margaret: This is the most well-known variant, stemming from the Latin for "pearl" as well. It's one of the most common names in many English-speaking countries and has been popular since medieval times.
2. Margot: A shorter version of Margaret, this French form of Marjorie is also popular and has gained popularity due to famous figures like Margot Robbie or Margot Fonteyn.
3. Majoriee: Although less common, this spelling variation exists and may be found in some regions or families.
4. Margerie: This is another variant, but it's less common and often seen as a misspelling or regional name variation of Marjorie or Margaret.
5. Marguerite: A French form of Marjorie, this spelling is also used in other countries like Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland.
6. Marjory: Although rare, Marjory is another variant found in some records and families, particularly in Scotland.
7. Majoria/Majora: These are less common variants, but they do exist, especially in unique naming circles or historical contexts.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the first name "marjorie"
• Global distribution of the first name on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 29 July 2025

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