Gretl is a charming and unique feminine given name of German origin, derived from the Germanic elements 'grōda' meaning "spear" and '-hild' meaning "battle". It is an abbreviated form of the name Greta, which itself is a diminutive of Margaret. Gretl is often associated with the popular children's book character Gretel, who accompanied her brother Hansel in the Brothers Grimm tale "Hansel and Gretel". This name has been used sparingly throughout history but offers a delightful option for parents seeking something distinctive yet not overly exotic. The name Gretl rolls off the tongue easily and is often paired with other traditional or modern names.
The name Gretl was given to 6 babies born in 2018, making it the total number of newborns with this unique moniker for that year.