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 a fascinating history when it comes to its popularity in the United States. In the late 19th century, the name was relatively uncommon, with only a handful of babies being named Greta each year. However, this began to change at the turn of the century.
In the early 1900s, there was a significant increase in the number of girls named Greta. This trend continued throughout the decade, reaching its peak in 1912 with an impressive 72 births. This marked the first time that Greta appeared among the top 1000 most popular baby names for girls in the United States.
This popularity persisted into the 1920s and 1930s, although there were some fluctuations in the number of births each year. The highest point during this period was reached in 1928 with 235 births, which placed Greta within the top 700 most popular names for girls.
However, after the mid-1930s, the popularity of the name Greta began to decline. This trend continued throughout the following decades, reaching its lowest point in the early 1960s when there were fewer than 50 births each year.
Despite this decline in popularity, Greta remained a recognizable name and was often associated with notable figures such as Greta Garbo, a famous actress during Hollywood's Golden Age. This may have helped to keep the name alive despite its waning popularity.
In recent years, there has been a resurgence in the popularity of the name Greta. In 2018, it reached its highest point since the 1930s with 519 births. This trend has continued into the 2020s, although the number of births has decreased slightly from the peak.
Overall, the name Greta has had a diverse and interesting history when it comes to its popularity in the United States. While it may not have been among the most popular names throughout much of its history, it has nonetheless remained a recognizable and meaningful choice for parents over the years.