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Help[Opinions] Re: How did Margaret get the nickname Peggy?
in reply to a message by KK
The explanations below are correct. I would just add that it was the custom to change the "M" in rhyming nicknames for women to "P". So not only does Peggy come from Margaret/Meggie, but Polly comes from Mary/Molly and Patty and Patsy came from Martha/Matty. Patricia was not used as a name in English until the 19th century, but there were plenty of women called Patty or Patsy before then -- they were officially "Martha".
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I have a daughter named Genevieve, whom we usually call "Gennie." Interestingly, recently my son has taken to calling her "Penny." I'm seeing the transition to P rhyming nicknames in action!
Also, I did not know that Patty/Patsy were originally short forms of Martha!
Also, I did not know that Patty/Patsy were originally short forms of Martha!