Peggy

Peggy is a feminine given name in English. It is most commonly a diminutive or nickname for Margaret, though it can also be used as a standalone given name. The name has appeared across English-speaking cultures since the 18th century and remains in use today, though it is less common for newborns in some regions.

Origin and meaning: Margaret comes from the Greek margarites, meaning pearl. The nickname Peggy originated in early modern English as a pet form derived from Meg or Maggie, and over time became established as a distinct given name. The formation reflects familiar naming patterns that produce rhyming or variant forms.

Notable people named Peggy: Peggy Lee, American jazz singer; Peggy Fleming, American figure skater and Olympic champion; Peggy Whitson, American biochemist and NASA astronaut; Peggy Noonan, American author and speechwriter.

In fiction: Peggy Olson, a character on the series Mad Men; Peggy Carter, a Marvel Comics character and Marvel Cinematic Universe ally; Peggy Hill, a character on King of the Hill; Peggy Bundy, the wife of Al Bundy on Married with Children.

Peggy functions primarily as a traditional English nickname with a long-standing presence in culture, literature, and media. While its usage has declined in some regions, it remains recognizable and culturally significant as a familiar given name and as a familiar character name in fiction.