Margarete is of German origin, derived from the Latin ' Margarita,' which means 'pearl.' It was popular during the Middle Ages due to its association with Saint Margaret of Antioch, a 4th-century Christian martyr. Margarete reached its peak popularity in Germany during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, it remains a beloved name in German-speaking countries but is less common elsewhere. The name Margarete is often shortened to Gretchen or Greti as terms of endearment. Notable individuals named Margarete include Margarete II of Denmark, the current monarch, and Margarete Steiff, the founder of the world-renowned toy company Steiff.
The name Margarete experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over time. From the late 19th to early 20th century, it was moderately popular, with annual births ranging from 5 to 42. However, after World War II, its popularity began to decline sharply. Between 1946 and 2022, there were fewer than 30 births per year on average, with many years recording only single-digit numbers. Despite this decline, Margarete remains a historic name with over two thousand births recorded in the given timeframe.