Gretel is a feminine given name of German origin, derived from the Germanic words "grōd" meaning "gray" or "grown old," and "hiltja" meaning "battle." The name is often associated with the fairy tale "Hansel and Gretel," written by the Brothers Grimm in the 19th century. However, the name predates the story and was used in Germany before then.
In the Middle Ages, Gretel was a popular short form of names such as Margret or Margarete, which were derived from the Greek word "margaron" meaning "pearl." Over time, Gretel evolved into an independent given name, often used alongside other Germanic names like Helga, Hildegard, or Brunhilde.
The name Gretel has been used throughout Germany and its neighboring countries for centuries. It was particularly common in the 19th century but fell out of fashion in the mid-20th century. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in the name among parents looking for unique, vintage-inspired names.
Today, Gretel is still considered a German name, but it can be found throughout Europe and even beyond, as people continue to embrace its unique sound and historic roots. Despite its connection to the fairy tale, Gretel remains a strong and distinctive given name that stands on its own merits.
The name Gretel has been given to girls born in the United States each year since 1915, with varying popularity over time. In the early years recorded, from 1915 to 1920, there were between 5 and 10 births per year with the name Gretel.
From the 1930s to the 1960s, the number of babies named Gretel remained relatively stable, with an average of around 6 births per year. There were some peaks in popularity during this period, such as 12 births in 1955 and 11 births in 1968.
Starting from the 1970s, there was a significant increase in the number of girls named Gretel. In 1976, there were 17 births, and by 1979, this number had risen to 20. The popularity of the name continued to fluctuate throughout the 1980s and 1990s, with an average of around 10 births per year.
In the early 2000s, there was another peak in the popularity of the name Gretel, with 37 births recorded both in 2011 and 2012. Since then, the number of girls named Gretel has continued to increase steadily. In recent years, there have been around 40 to 60 births per year with the name Gretel.
In total, since 1915, there have been 1,416 babies born in the United States with the name Gretel. This statistic shows that while the popularity of the name has varied over time, it has remained a relatively uncommon choice for parents in the United States.