Of Greek origin.
This is the French form of the name Margaret.
It means “pearl”, from the Greek word “μαργαρίτης”, (margarites).
In Italian and in Greek it also means daisy the flower.
According to the Ancient Greek myths, the pearls were born into the shells by the power of a divine moon ray or a drop from the gods.
Another ancient Greek myth says that pearls were the joyful tears of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of beauty and love.
Queen Elizabeth I, known also as the Virgin Queen, was notoriously associated with pearls. She would wear a multitude of pearl necklaces or earrings, as a symbol of chastity.
Pearls, especially black ones, were symbols of wisdom in China. According to Ancient Chinese legends, these gems were formed inside the head of dragons which would afterward carry them between its teeth.
One of the most “famous” Marguerites is a fictional character, Marguerite Gautier, the heroine of the Alexandre Dumas novel “La Dame aux Camelias” (The Lady of the Camellias).
Other forms of this highly meaningful name are Margaret, Margo, Margarita, Maggie, Marjory, Peggy, Mette, Gretel, etc.
Famous bearers are Marguerite Duras, Marguerite Yourcenar.