Gretha

“grace”

Sweden origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#1537US 2023

663Births / yr

→Stable

41All-time births

📅 Since 191600

What does Gretha mean and where does it come from?

Gretha is a variant of the name Greta, which is a diminutive form of Margaret. The name has roots in several languages, including Latin, German, and Greek. It means 'grace' or 'the pearl'. In Sweden and Norway, the name has been quite popular, especially in the 20th century. Greta Garbo, a famous Sw

Cultural significance

Gretha has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Sweden-speaking communities, where it reflects values of grace.

Peak popularity

Reached #3668 in 1928 — currently #1537 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Gretha?

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

Gretha Grace

How popular is Gretha right now?

Holding steady — currently #1537 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1935–2023#1537 · Top 1.1%

1935

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1537	663	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2022	#1542	643	▲ up 5 · +5% births
2021	#1547	613	▲ up 3055 · +12160% births
1935	#4602	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Gretha

Best Year2023Rank #1537

Peak Count663

Average Rank#2307

Current Trend→Stable

Data Range1935 - 20234 years

The story of Gretha

Gretha entered American naming records in 1916 and has been in use for over 108 years. With 41 total births recorded, Gretha remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4602 in 1935 to #1537 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Gretha in 1928:

Mary Betty Dorothy Helen Margaret

Gretha by decade

Gretha peaked in the 1920s. See all 1920s names →

Decade	Births
1910s	5
1920s	8
1930s ★	16
1940s	6
1960s	6

💎Gretha has only 41 total recorded births since 1916 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Gretha?

Common

GreGrieGryEtha

What names sound and feel like Gretha?

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

English · beloved, enjoyed

Wretha

American · Possibly derived from

Greta

Germanic · pearl

Bretha

USA · Strong, Powerful

Common questions about the name Gretha

What does the name Gretha mean?

Gretha means "grace" — a name rooted in Sweden 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 Gretha?

Gretha is currently a distinctive and less common name 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 Gretha?

Gretha originates from Sweden tradition. Sweden names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

Is Gretha a common or rare name?

Gretha is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.

What are good nicknames for Gretha?

Gretha naturally lends itself to affectionate nicknames. Shortened versions based on the first syllable are most popular, and many parents also create unique pet names that feel personal to their family.