What does Greta mean and where does it come from?
Greta is a name of German and Swedish origin, derived from the word 'Margarete,' which means 'pearl.' The name has been popular in various forms throughout Europe and has notable historical significance due to figures like Greta Garbo, a famous Swedish actress. The name is often associated with eleg
Cultural significance
Greta has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Germanic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of pearl.
Peak popularity
Reached #317 in 1932 — currently #936 in the US.
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Related Reading
Germanic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Greta?
Greta works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Greta Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Greta Rose
Floral · soft ending
Greta Mae
Sweet · timeless
Greta Claire
French influence · crisp
Greta Jane
Literary · strong
Greta Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Greta right now?
Falling — down 77 spots — currently #936 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #936 | 283 | ▼ down 77 · -13% births |
| 2022 | #859 | 324 | ▼ down 32 · -4% births |
| 2021 | #827 | 336 | ▼ down 84 · -8% births |
| 2020 | #743 | 365 | ▼ down 170 · -32% births |
| 2015 | #573 | 533 | ▲ up 99 · +24% births |
| 2010 | #672 | 431 | ▲ up 12 · +6% births |
| 2005 | #684 | 405 | ▲ up 73 · +35% births |
| 2000 | #757 | 301 | ▲ up 516 · +128% births |
| 1995 | #1273 | 132 | ▲ up 196 · +25% births |
| 1990 | #1469 | 106 | ▼ down 227 · -4% births |
| 1985 | #1242 | 110 | ▼ down 431 · -45% births |
| 1980 | #811 | 199 | ▼ down 69 · +3% births |
| 1975 | #742 | 194 | ▼ down 198 · -44% births |
| 1970 | #544 | 344 | ▲ up 64 · +35% births |
| 1965 | #608 | 255 | — |
The story of Greta
Greta has been a beloved American name for over 139 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1885. A total of 26,231 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1029 in 1885 to #936 in 2023. Greta is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Greta in 1932:
Greta by decade
Greta peaked in the 1930s. See all 1930s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 44 | |
| 1890s | 190 | |
| 1900s | 271 | |
| 1910s | 741 | |
| 1920s | 1,168 | |
| 1930s | 2,884 | |
| 1940s | 1,266 | |
| 1950s | 2,309 | |
| 1960s | 3,461 | |
| 1970s | 2,210 | |
| 1980s | 1,415 | |
| 1990s | 1,445 | |
| 2000s | 3,755 | |
| 2010s ★ | 4,707 | |
| 2020s | 365 | |
What are good nicknames for Greta?
ENGLISH
MaeganMaeghanMeaganMeaghanMeganMeghan
Famous people named Greta
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Greta (Germanic saint)
Greta spread this name through the Germanic missionary tradition of early Christianity.
G(
Greta (Scandinavian royal)
Greta held this name in the Nordic royal courts, giving it aristocratic prestige across Northern Europe.
G(
Greta (Germanic saint)
Greta spread this name through the Germanic missionary tradition of early Christianity.
G(
Greta (medieval German ruler)
Greta bore this name during the Holy Roman Empire, spreading Germanic naming traditions across Europe.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Greta?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Greta also consider these
How is Greta written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Greta
What does the name Greta mean?
Greta means "pearl" — a name rooted in Germanic tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Greta?
Greta is currently ranked #936 as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Greta?
Greta originates from Germanic tradition. Germanic names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Greta?
Greta is a two-syllable name pronounced G R IY1 T AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Greta a common or rare name?
Greta is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.