What does Margrete mean and where does it come from?
Margrete is a variant of the name Margaret, which has roots in the Greek word 'margaritēs' (μαργαρίτης) meaning 'pearl.' This name has been popular in Scandinavia, particularly in Norway and Denmark. Historical figures such as Margrete I, the Queen of Denmark in the late 14th century, contributed to
Cultural significance
Margrete has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Norway-speaking communities, where it reflects values of greek.
Peak popularity
Reached #1275 in 1889 — currently #1674 in the US.
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Related Reading
Norway-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Margrete?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Margrete?
Margrete works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Margrete Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Margrete Rose
Floral · soft ending
Margrete Mae
Sweet · timeless
Margrete Claire
French influence · crisp
Margrete Jane
Literary · strong
Margrete Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Margrete right now?
Holding steady — currently #1674 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1674 | 526 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2022 | #1679 | 506 | ▲ up 5 · +6% births |
| 2021 | #1684 | 476 | ▲ up 1728 · +5850% births |
| 1930 | #3412 | 8 | ▲ up 689 · +14% births |
| 1925 | #4101 | 7 | ▼ down 709 · -22% births |
| 1920 | #3392 | 9 | ▼ down 965 · -25% births |
| 1915 | #2427 | 12 | ▲ up 82 · +140% births |
| 1910 | #2509 | 5 | ▼ down 463 |
| 1905 | #2046 | 5 | — |
The story of Margrete
Margrete has been a beloved American name for over 135 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1889. With 217 total births recorded, Margrete remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2046 in 1905 to #1674 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Margrete in 1889:
Margrete by decade
Margrete peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 6 | |
| 1900s | 11 | |
| 1910s | 78 | |
| 1920s ★ | 84 | |
| 1930s | 32 | |
| 1950s | 6 | |
💎Margrete has only 217 total recorded births since 1889 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Margrete?
DANISH
GreteGretheMereteMetaMetteRita
ENGLISH
GretaGretchenGrettaJorieMadgeMaeMaeganMaeghanMaggieMamieMargeMargieMargoMarjeMayMaymeMeaganMeaghanMegMeganMeghanMidgePegPeggiePeggyRethaRita
What names sound and feel like Margrete?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Margrete also consider these
How is Margrete written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Margrete
What does the name Margrete mean?
Margrete means "Greek" — a name rooted in Norway 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 Margrete?
Margrete 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 Margrete?
Margrete originates from Norway tradition. Norway 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 Margrete?
Margrete is a two-syllable name pronounced M AA1 R G R IY1 T. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Margrete a common or rare name?
Margrete is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.