Margaret Shaffer
Name meaning, origin and global statistics
Margaret Shaffer is a name that combines Greek origins. The first name Margaret is a feminine given name of Greek origin. From the Greek Margarites (Μαργαρίτης), meaning "pearl." Via Latin Margarita. Name of three queens of Scotland. The surname Shaffer: Schaefer is an alternative spelling and cognate for the German word schäfer, meaning 'shepherd', which itself descends from the Old High German scāphare. Variants "Shaefer", "Schäfer" (a standardized spelling in many German-speaking countries after 1880), the additional alternative spelling "Schäffer", and the anglicised forms "Schaeffer", "Schaffer", "Shaffer", "Shafer", and "Schafer" are all common surnames. Margaret is one of the most widespread first names worldwide, carried by approximately 1.2 million people globally, with the highest concentration in United States. The name Margaret reached peak popularity in the 1970s, reflecting the naming trends of that era.
Etymology & Origin
First Name: Margaret
Meaning: pearl
Greek
From the Greek Margarites (Μαργαρίτης), meaning "pearl." Via Latin Margarita. Name of three queens of Scotland.
Surname: Shaffer
Germanic
Schaefer is an alternative spelling and cognate for the German word schäfer, meaning 'shepherd', which itself descends from the Old High German scāphare. Variants "Shaefer", "Schäfer" (a standardized spelling in many German-speaking countries after 1880), the additional alternative spelling "Schäffer", and the anglicised forms "Schaeffer", "Schaffer", "Shaffer", "Shafer", and "Schafer" are all common surnames.
Geographic Distribution
The first name Margaret is distributed across the globe, with the highest concentrations in the following countries:
Popularity Over Time
Popularity of the name Margaret by decade, based on birth registration data:
Name Variants & Related Names
The name Margaret has several variants and related forms across different languages and cultures:
Notable People Named Margaret Shaffer
People listed above share this name. Listed for informational purposes only. Source: Wikipedia.
Numerology
According to Pythagorean numerology, each letter in a name carries a numerical value. Here are the key numbers for Margaret Shaffer:
Intuition and inspiration (Master Number 11). Amplifies spiritual awareness, creative vision and sensitivity.
Stability and hard work. Represents practicality, reliability and dedication — someone who builds solid foundations.
Wisdom and introspection. A deep, analytical mind drawn to philosophy, spirituality and the search for truth.
Numerology is a cultural tradition for exploring symbolism in names. Results are for entertainment purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the origin of the first name Margaret?
- The first name Margaret originates from Greek. From the Greek Margarites (Μαργαρίτης), meaning "pearl." Via Latin Margarita. Name of three queens of Scotland.
- When was Margaret most popular?
- The name Margaret reached its peak popularity during the 1970s.
- What is the origin of the surname Shaffer?
- The surname Shaffer originates from Germanic. Schaefer is an alternative spelling and cognate for the German word schäfer, meaning 'shepherd', which itself descends from the Old High German scāphare. Variants "Shaefer", "Schäfer" (a standardized spelling in many German-speaking countries after 1880), the additional alternative spelling "Schäffer", and the anglicised forms "Schaeffer", "Schaffer", "Shaffer", "Shafer", and "Schafer" are all common surnames.
- What are the origins of the name Margaret Shaffer?
- The name Margaret Shaffer combines two different traditions: the first name Margaret has Greek roots, while the surname Shaffer originates from Germanic.