The name Greta is of Italian origin and means "pearl." It is a female given name that has been popular in various countries around the world for many years.
In Italy, Greta was traditionally used as a diminutive form of the name Margarete or Margaret. However, it eventually became a name in its own right and gained popularity throughout Europe during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
One of the most famous bearers of the name Greta is Greta Garbo, the Swedish actress who rose to prominence in Hollywood during the silent film era. Born Greta Lovisa Gustafsson in 1905, she adopted the stage name Greta Garbo upon moving to America to pursue her acting career. Garbo became known for her portrayal of sophisticated and mysterious women on screen, earning her the nickname "The Swedish Sphinx."
Today, Greta continues to be a popular choice among parents looking for unique and meaningful names for their daughters. Its timeless elegance and association with the beloved actress have helped to keep it relevant throughout the years.
In terms of popularity, Greta has ranked among the top 1,000 most common female baby names in several countries, including Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Germany, and the United States. While it may not be as ubiquitous as some other classic girl names like Emma or Olivia, Greta remains a well-loved choice with a rich history and beautiful meaning behind it.
The name Greta has seen a significant rise in popularity over the past century, with a notable spike in recent years. Between 1885 and 1964, there were fewer than 260 births per year on average. However, from 1965 onwards, this number began to increase significantly, reaching an all-time high of 534 births in 1967. The popularity of the name Greta continued to fluctuate but remained relatively stable until around 2000, when it started to rise again, reaching a peak of 533 births in 2015. In recent years, the number of births with the name Greta has decreased slightly, with 283 births recorded in 2023. Overall, there have been a total of 27,182 births with the name Greta since 1885.