Greta

The name Greta is a diminutive of Margareta and means 'the pearl'. It is common in several languages such as German, Scandinavian, Italian, and in the Hungarian spelling Gréta.

What does the name Greta mean?

Greta means 'the pearl' and is a diminutive of the name Margareta, including the Nordic variant Margreta. The origin of the name traces back to the Ancient Greek word margarites and the Latin margarita for 'pearl'. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Greta was a common first name in Germany before it fell into obscurity. However, starting in the 1990s, the name experienced a renaissance and was among the most sought-after girls' names in Germany as well as in countries like Austria and Italy during the 2010s. Since 2020, the popularity of the name has significantly declined, possibly due to the media presence of Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg. Notable bearers of the name include Swedish actress Greta Garbo (1905–1990) and American actress Greta Gerwig. A common pet form of the name is Gretchen. Other variants of Margareta include Greet, Greeta, Greetje, Gret, Gretel, Greth, Grethe, Gretje, Griet, Grietje, Grit, and Gritt.

Where does the name Greta come from?

The name Greta has its roots in the diminutive of Margareta and derives from the Latin term margarita (pearl), which in turn comes from the Ancient Greek margarites. This word has Persian origins. The composition in Ancient Greek means margarites = pearl, in Latin margarita = pearl. Greta is used in various languages, including Danish, German, English, Faroese, Icelandic, Italian, Lithuanian, Nordic, Norwegian, Polish, Swedish, Scandinavian, and Hungarian.

How do you pronounce Greta?

The pronunciation of Greta is clear and melodic. The name consists of two syllables and is usually pronounced in German as 'Gre-ta' [ˈɡʁeːta], with the first syllable stressed with a long 'e'. The open 'a' at the end gives the name a harmonious sound. Greta radiates both tradition and modernity and appears strong, balanced, and present.

When is the name day of Greta?

The most important name day for Greta falls on July 20, in honor of Saint Margareta of Antioch.

Popularity

In Germany, Greta is among the most sought-after first names. Currently, it ranks 226th on the list of the most common female baby names. Its best placement was in 2018 at 15th place. Over the last ten years, Greta has been given as a first name approximately 13,400 times, placing it 53rd in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, it ranks 40th.

Nicknames & pet names

Chucky / Deta / Geda / Gedi / Gerti / Geta / Geti / Gigi / Grantl / Gre / Greaden / Great / Greata / Greatsus / Gred / Greddy / Gree / Greedi / Greet / Greg / GreGre / Greh / Greit / Gret / Gretalein / Gretalinchen / Gretchen / Gretel / Gretelchen / Greth / Greti / Gretia / Gretilda / Gretilein / Gretina / Gretissima / Gretje / Gretl / Gretli / Greto / Gretonela / Gretsche / Gretty / Gretzi / Gretzl / Grez / Grotta / Grädl / Gröddli / Kreativa / Kret / Kreta / Krätze / Kröta / Kröte / Mae / Maggi / Reta / Tea

Similar first names

Gret

Famous people

• Greta Andersen (* 1927), Danish swimmer
• Greta Arn (German tennis player)
• Greta Carlsson (Swedish swimmer)
• Greta Cicolari (Italian beach volleyball player)
• Greta the polar bear (A friend of 'Lars the polar bear')
• Greta Garbo (actress)
• Greta Gertler (Australian musician)
• Greta Gerwig (American actress)
• Greta Granstedt (American actress)
• Greta Keller (Danish singer)
• Greta Kempton (American artist)
• Greta Klingsberg (singer from Israel)
• Greta Knutson (Swedish artist)
• Greta Lee (American actress)
• Greta Mjöll Samuelsdottir (Icelandic footballer)
• Greta Neimanas (American cyclist)
• Greta Pinggera (Italian luger)
• Greta Rana (American writer)
• Greta Salome (Icelandic singer)
• Greta Salome Stefansdottir (Icelandic singer)