From Classical Syriac ܡܪܰܓܳܢ (margān, “pearl-like”), from ܡܰܪܓܳܢܺܝܬܳܐ (margānīṯā, “pearl”), from Ancient Greek μαργαρίτης (margarítēs, “pearl”), an Iranian borrowing. For the meaning development compare Arabic مَرْو (marw, “odoriferous plants; Maerua crassifolia; pebble; flint; quartz”).