Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Greta
GirlSwedish, German· “pearl”
- Meaning
- pearl
- Origin
- Swedish, German
- Pronunciation
- GREH-tuh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #908
- US babies 2025
- 291
- Best rank
- #317 (1932)
- Peak year
- 1967
Meaning and origin of Greta
Greta is a Swedish and German name that means “pearl”.
Greta is a Scandinavian and German short form of Margareta, the local form of Margaret, from the Greek margarites, "pearl." It became internationally known through the Swedish actress Greta Garbo, one of the great stars of early Hollywood. More recently, the climate activist Greta Thunberg has given the name wide recognition. Greta is short, stylish and a little vintage, with a clean, European sound. In the United States it is usually pronounced GREH-tuh, though GREE-tuh is also heard. Gretel and Gretchen are related German diminutives.
Popularity over time
Greta first appears in US Social Security records in 1885. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 123 different years, starting in 1885. Its best national rank was #317 in 1932, and the most babies received it in 1967, when 534 were named Greta. In 2025, 291 babies were named Greta, and it ranked #908 nationally. That is 45% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #924 in 1920, #718 in 1950, #811 in 1980, #757 in 2000, #671 in 2010, and #908 in 2025. Of the 27,786 US girls named Greta since records began, 17% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 3,755 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Aretha, Tonja, Josette, Gena, and Danette.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Greta ranked highest in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Kansas.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | #133 | 40 |
| Wisconsin | #330 | 16 |
| Kansas | #375 | 9 |
| Iowa | #406 | 8 |
| Massachusetts | #452 | 12 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Greta is usually pronounced GREH-tuh, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with G and ends in “-ta”.
Middle names for Greta
A few middle names that flow with Greta: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Greta
Similar names
Krista Girl
KRIHS-tuh
“form of Christina; follower of Christ” · Scandinavian
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GREH-tuh
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Amber Girl
AM-ber
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Heidi Girl
HY-dee
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Karla Girl
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LEE-suh
“short for Elisabeth, 'my God is an oath'” · English
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Etta Girl
EH-tuh
“short for Henrietta and similar names” · English
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Rita Girl
REE-tuh
“pearl; short for Margarita” · Italian
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Margarita Girl
mahr-guh-REE-tuh
“pearl” · Spanish
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Marta Girl
MAHR-tuh
“form of Martha, lady” · Spanish
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Gemma Girl
JEH-muh
“gem, precious stone” · Italian
#170
Lena Girl
LEE-nuh
“short form of Helena or Magdalena” · German
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Lists that include Greta
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Greta mean?
Greta is a Swedish and German name that means “pearl”.
What is the origin of the name Greta?
Greta has Swedish, German, and Greek roots. Greta is a Scandinavian and German short form of Margareta, the local form of Margaret, from the Greek margarites, "pearl." It became internationally known through the Swedish actress Greta Garbo, one of the great stars of early Hollywood.
Is Greta a popular name?
Yes. Greta ranked #908 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Greta a boy or girl name?
Greta is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Greta?
Greta is usually pronounced GREH-tuh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings