Myrtle
Fact sheet
- Name
- Myrtle
- Gender
- Girl name
- Syllables
- 2
Myrtle is a female first name, which literally translates from English as "the myrtle." This evergreen shrub originates from the Mediterranean region and has already played a significant role in Greek mythology. Etymologically, the name derives from the ancient Greek word myrtos (μύρτος). In antiquity, myrtle was dedicated to the Greek goddess Aphrodite.
What does the name Myrtle mean?
The female first name Myrtle translates directly from English as "the myrtle." This plant, an evergreen shrub from the Mediterranean region, played an important role in Greek mythology and has its origin in the ancient Greek myrtos (μύρτος). In antiquity, myrtle was considered a symbol for the Greek goddess Aphrodite. Myrtle branches still represent happiness in marriage and eternal love today. Besides the English-speaking world, the name variant Myrtle can also be found in the Netherlands. Other forms of this name include Mirta, Mirte, Mirtel, Mirtha, Mirthe, Mirto, Myrta, Myrte, Myrtha, Myrthe, and Myrto.
Where does the name Myrtle come from?
The name Myrtle has its roots in ancient Greek and means "the myrtle."
How do you pronounce Myrtle?
Myrtle has a two-syllable and distinctly consonant-heavy pronunciation. In German, the name is usually pronounced as "Myr-tel" [ˈmyʁtəl]. The prominent umlaut at the beginning gives the sound a characteristic, slightly tense quality. The following consonant cluster adds a certain density, while the ending "-le" gently softens the conclusion without losing the solid structure. Overall, Myrtle conveys a strong character, slightly edgy yet harmonious sound with a clear, unmistakable sound signature.
Popularity
In Germany, Myrtle is a rare first name that has not yet appeared in German name popularity lists. The best ranking the name achieved was in 1966, reaching 311th place in the Irish name charts. In the last ten years, Myrtle has been given as a first name in Ireland about 10 times, placing it at 1,442nd in the ten-year statistics. From 1964 to 2024, it ranks 1,554th in Ireland. Worldwide, Myrtle is given with varying frequency.
Nicknames & pet names
Myrthie
Famous people
- Myrtle Baylis (cricketer from the USA)
- Myrtle Corbin (sufferer from dipygus)
- Myrtle Edwards (Australian cricketer)
- Myrtle Fillmore (writer from America)
- Myrtle Gonzalez (American actress)
- Myrtle Maclagan (British cricketer)
- Myrtle McAteer (tennis player from the USA)
- Myrtle Reed (American writer)
- Myrtle Sarrosa (Filipino actress)
- Myrtle Stedman (American actress)
- Myrtle Wagner (character from the PS2 game "Ni no Kuni")
- Myrtle Wilson (character from "The Great Gatsby")
Frequently asked questions about the name Myrtle
What does the name Myrtle mean?
The name Myrtle means 'the myrtle' and refers to an evergreen shrub found in the Mediterranean region. In antiquity, myrtle was associated with the goddess Aphrodite and symbolized happiness in marriage and eternal love.
Where does the name Myrtle come from?
The name Myrtle has its origins in ancient Greek, derived from the word 'myrtos' (μύρτος). It is primarily used in English and Dutch-speaking regions.
How popular is the name Myrtle?
The name Myrtle has lost popularity in recent decades, but it remains known in some countries, particularly in the English-speaking world, and is occasionally given.