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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Related Reading
Germanic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →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
Most popular combo · classic
Grete Rose
Floral · soft ending
Grete Mae
Sweet · timeless
Grete Claire
French influence · crisp
Grete Jane
Literary · strong
Grete Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Grete right now?
Holding steady — currently #653 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| 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 | — |
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:
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
Famous people named Grete
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Grete (Germanic saint)
Grete spread this name through the Germanic missionary tradition of early Christianity.
G(
Grete (German philosopher)
Grete used this name in the rich tradition of German intellectual and philosophical culture.
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Grete (medieval German ruler)
Grete bore this name during the Holy Roman Empire, spreading Germanic naming traditions across Europe.
G(
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 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Grete?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Grete also consider these
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.