In the wild tale of St. Margaret, swallowed alive by a dragon, whose body bursting she issues from it unhurt, the same allegory appears which is common to most of the legends of the early Church, figurative of the power of faith in Christ to overcome the power of the Evil One. (What Is Your Names?, Moody, 1863)

... From Scotland it went to Norway with the daughter of Alexander III., whose bridal cost the life of Sir Patrick Spens; and it had nearly come back again from thence with her child, the Maid of Norway; but the Maid died on the voyage, and Margrete (q.v.) remained in Scandinavia.
     (2) English form of French Provencal Marguérite (q.v.).   This name was re-imported from France in the second wife of Edward I., and again in Margaret of Anjou, from whom was called Margaret Beaufort, mother of Henry VII., and founder of the Lady Margaret professorship.   In her grand-daughter, Margaret Tudor, it ceased to be royal in England, though it had taken root among the northern part of the population, while, strangely enough, it hardly ever occurs among the southern peasantry.
     Many are the contractions of this favourite name, since it is too long for the popular mouth.  Some are:  Marjorie, Maisie, Mysie, Meg, Maggie, Margery, Marget, Peggy, Gritty, and Madge. (History of Christian Names, Yonge, 1884)