What does Margretta mean and where does it come from?
Margretta is a variant of the name Margaret. The name has its roots in the Greek word 'margaritēs' (μαργαρίτης), meaning 'pearl'. The name has been in use since the Middle Ages, particularly in England and Germany. Notable bearers include Margretta Smith, a prominent figure in 19th-century American
Cultural significance
Margretta has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in England-speaking communities, where it reflects values of english.
Peak popularity
Reached #952 in 1888 — currently #1558 in the US.
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Related Reading
England-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Margretta?
Margretta works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Margretta Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Margretta Rose
Floral · soft ending
Margretta Mae
Sweet · timeless
Margretta Claire
French influence · crisp
Margretta Jane
Literary · strong
Margretta Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Margretta right now?
Holding steady — currently #1558 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1558 | 642 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2022 | #1563 | 622 | ▲ up 5 · +5% births |
| 2021 | #1568 | 592 | ▲ up 8916 · +11740% births |
| 1980 | #10484 | 5 | ▼ down 2400 |
| 1970 | #8084 | 5 | ▼ down 3552 · -44% births |
| 1965 | #4532 | 9 | ▼ down 1527 · -47% births |
| 1960 | #3005 | 17 | ▲ up 240 · +31% births |
| 1955 | #3245 | 13 | ▼ down 684 · -19% births |
| 1950 | #2561 | 16 | ▼ down 482 · -6% births |
| 1945 | #2079 | 17 | ▲ up 916 · +89% births |
| 1940 | #2995 | 9 | ▼ down 30 |
| 1935 | #2965 | 9 | ▲ up 433 · +13% births |
| 1930 | #3398 | 8 | ▼ down 1185 · -53% births |
| 1925 | #2213 | 17 | ▼ down 300 · -19% births |
| 1920 | #1913 | 21 | — |
The story of Margretta
Margretta has been a beloved American name for over 139 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1885. With 837 total births recorded, Margretta remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #1183 in 1885, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1558 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Margretta in 1888:
Margretta by decade
Margretta peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 24 | |
| 1890s | 19 | |
| 1900s | 23 | |
| 1910s | 118 | |
| 1920s ★ | 162 | |
| 1930s | 99 | |
| 1940s | 138 | |
| 1950s | 119 | |
| 1960s | 91 | |
| 1970s | 24 | |
| 1980s | 20 | |
💎Margretta has only 837 total recorded births since 1885 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Margretta?
What names sound and feel like Margretta?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Margretta also consider these
Common questions about the name Margretta
What does the name Margretta mean?
Margretta means "English" — a name rooted in England 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 Margretta?
Margretta 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 Margretta?
Margretta originates from England tradition. England 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 Margretta?
Margretta is a three-syllable name pronounced M AA1 R G R EH0 T T AA1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Margretta?
Margretta pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar England heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.