What does Rettie mean and where does it come from?
Rettie is a Scottish diminutive of the name Margaret. The name Margaret itself has Greek origins from 'margaritēs,' meaning 'pearl.' The usage of Rettie may be localized and less widespread than its root name. Historically, it has been used in Scotland, particularly in the 19th and 20th centuries. T
Cultural significance
Rettie has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Scotland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a diminutive form of margaret, meaning 'pearl'.
Peak popularity
Reached #725 in 1882 — currently #1539 in the US.
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Related Reading
Scotland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Rettie?
Rettie works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Rettie Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Rettie Rose
Floral · soft ending
Rettie Mae
Sweet · timeless
Rettie Claire
French influence · crisp
Rettie Jane
Literary · strong
Rettie Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Rettie right now?
Holding steady — currently #1539 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1539 | 661 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2022 | #1544 | 641 | ▲ up 5 · +5% births |
| 2021 | #1549 | 611 | ▲ up 2071 · +7538% births |
| 1920 | #3620 | 8 | ▼ down 2047 · +14% births |
| 1905 | #1573 | 7 | ▲ up 183 · +17% births |
| 1900 | #1756 | 6 | ▼ down 374 · +20% births |
| 1890 | #1382 | 5 | ▼ down 498 · -29% births |
| 1885 | #884 | 7 | — |
The story of Rettie
Rettie has been a beloved American name for over 143 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1881. With 163 total births recorded, Rettie remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #884 in 1885, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1539 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Rettie in 1882:
Rettie by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 27 | |
| 1890s ★ | 57 | |
| 1900s | 41 | |
| 1910s | 30 | |
| 1920s | 8 | |
💎Rettie has only 163 total recorded births since 1881 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Rettie?
What names sound and feel like Rettie?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Rettie also consider these
Common questions about the name Rettie
What does the name Rettie mean?
Rettie means "a diminutive form of Margaret, meaning 'pearl'" — a name rooted in Scotland 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 Rettie?
Rettie 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 Rettie?
Rettie originates from Scotland tradition. Scotland 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 Rettie?
Rettie is a two-syllable name pronounced R EH1 T T AY1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Rettie a common or rare name?
Rettie is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.