Gretel
Fact sheet
- Name
- Gretel
- Gender
- Girl name
- Syllables
- 2
The first name Gretel is a loving diminutive of the Germanic and Scandinavian name Grete, which in turn serves as a short form of Margarete. The meaning of the name Gretel is 'the pearl' and is derived from the ancient Greek word margarites.
What does the name Gretel mean?
Gretel is a female first name that is considered a pet form of the traditional name Grete, which is itself a short form of Margarete. The meaning of the name is 'the pearl', derived from the ancient Greek word margarites as well as the Latin margarita, both meaning 'pearl'. The name was especially popular in the 19th century but has gradually fallen out of fashion since the mid-20th century. Today, the name is primarily known through the well-known fairy tale character from the beloved Grimm fairy tale 'Hansel and Gretel' from 1812. Rare spellings include Grethel and Gretl. Other diminutive forms of Margarete include Greet, Greeta, Greetje, Gret, Greta, Gretchen, Greth, Grethe, Gretje, Griet, Grietje, Grit, and Gritt.
How do you pronounce Gretel?
Sound and pronunciation of Gretel: The name is two syllables and has a soft, familiar sound. In the pronunciation 'Gre-tel' [ˈɡʁeːtəl], the emphasis is on the first syllable, while the '-el' creates a delicate, almost affectionate ending. This diminutive form gives the name a warm and close effect. Gretel comes across as friendly and traditional – bright, approachable, and sonically harmonious.
When is the name day of Gretel?
The most significant name days for Gretel are July 20, in honor of Saint Margareta of Antioch, and October 29, dedicated to Blessed Margarete of Hohenfels.
Popularity
In Germany, Gretel is a well-known first name. In 2022, it ranked 3,777th on the list of the most common girls' names. The name achieved its best placement in 2014 at rank 1,339. Over the last ten years, Gretel has been chosen as a first name about 50 times, placing it 3,833rd in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, it ranks 3,119th. Worldwide, there are various rankings of Gretel in the name charts of individual countries.
Nicknames & pet names
Apfelhelle / Applebright / Grete / Gretelchen / Greti / Gretschke
Famous people
- Gretel (fairy tale character)
- Gretel Beer (Austrian writer)
- Gretel Bergmann (high jumper from Germany)
- Gretel Ehrlich (American writer)
- Gretel Eisch (German artist)
- Gretel Escher (German writer)
- Gretel Haas-Gerber (German painter)
- Gretel Loher-Schmeck (German artist)
- Gretel Schulte-Hostedde (sculptor from Germany)
- Gretel Wünsch-Kästel (German singer)
Frequently asked questions about the name Gretel
What is the origin of the name Gretel?
The name Gretel has its roots in ancient Greek and means 'the pearl'. The ancient Greek term margarites and the Latin counterpart margarita both stand for 'pearl'.
What does the name Gretel mean?
Gretel is a diminutive of Grete, which in turn is a short form of Margarete. The meaning of the name is 'the pearl', derived from the ancient Greek and Latin words for pearl.
How popular is the name Gretel today?
In the 19th century, the name Gretel was very popular but has lost popularity since the mid-20th century. Today, the name is primarily known through the fairy tale character from 'Hansel and Gretel'.