Grete

“Pearl”

Germanic origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#653US 2023

1.5kBirths / yr

→Stable

61All-time births

📅 Since 192700

How to pronounce Grete

GREET

/ˈɡriːt/ · stress on GREET · 1 syllable

“Pearl”

Germanic origin · Girl name

What does Grete mean and where does it come from?

Grete is a name of German and Scandinavian origin, a diminutive of Margaret. It is notable for meaning 'pearl' in various contexts. The name has been used since the Middle Ages and remains popular in Germany, Norway, and Sweden. Variations include Grete, Greta, and Margarete. Famous bearers include

Cultural significance

Grete has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Germanic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of pearl.

Peak popularity

Reached #4277 in 1931 — currently #653 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Grete?

Grete works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Grete Grace

How popular is Grete right now?

Holding steady — currently #653 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1930–2023#653 · Top 0.48%

1930

1985

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#653	1,547	▲ up 5 · +1% births
2022	#658	1,527	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2021	#663	1,497	▲ up 8896 · +24850% births
1985	#9559	6	▼ down 4410 · +20% births
1930	#5149	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Grete

Best Year2023Rank #653

Peak Count1,547

Average Rank#3336

Current Trend→Stable

Data Range1930 - 20235 years

The story of Grete

Grete entered American naming records in 1927 and has been in use for over 97 years. With 61 total births recorded, Grete remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #5149 in 1930 to #653 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Grete in 1931:

Mary Betty Dorothy Barbara Joan

Grete by decade

Grete peaked in the 1930s. See all 1930s names →

Decade	Births
1920s	5
1930s	11
1970s	11
1980s ★	19
1990s	10
2000s	5

💎Grete has only 61 total recorded births since 1927 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Grete?

ENGLISH

MaeganMaeghanMeaganMeaghanMeganMeghan

GERMAN

Gretel

WELSH

Megan

GERMAN

Annegret

Famous people named Grete

Grete (Germanic saint)

Grete spread this name through the Germanic missionary tradition of early Christianity.

Grete (German philosopher)

Grete used this name in the rich tradition of German intellectual and philosophical culture.

Grete (medieval German ruler)

Grete bore this name during the Holy Roman Empire, spreading Germanic naming traditions across Europe.

Grete (Norse explorer)

Grete carried this name across Scandinavia and into the North Atlantic during the Viking Age.

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Celebrity Names

What celebrities named their babies in 2025

Explore →

What names sound and feel like Grete?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Grete also consider these

Greece · η κρητική, που

France · A beloved name

Pete

USA · Rock

How is Grete written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Grete

What does the name Grete mean?

Grete 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 Grete?

Grete is currently ranked #653 as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Grete?

Grete 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 Grete?

Grete is a one-syllable name pronounced G R IY1 T. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

How does Grete sound with different last names?

As a one-syllable name, Grete flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Grete ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.