Margaretha

Margaretha is a variant of the name Margarete, which is widespread in Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden. Its meaning is 'the pearl'. The roots of the name can be found in the Ancient Greek word margarites.

What does the name Margaretha mean?

The name Margaretha, a form of Margarete, means 'the pearl' and has its origins in the Ancient Greek term margarites as well as the Latin margarita. In the Middle Ages, the name became popular due to the veneration of Saint Margareta of Antioch († around 305), who is one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers. Other German variants include Margareta, Margarethe, and Margret. In other languages, names such as Margaret (English), Marguerite (French), Margherita (Italian), Margarida (Portuguese), and Margarita (Spanish, Russian, Bulgarian) appear. Well-known short and diminutive forms of Margaretha include Greta, Gretchen, Grete, Gretel, Grethe, Grit, Maggie, Marga, Margit, Margot, Marit, Megan, Meta, Mette, Peggy, and Rita.

Where does the name Margaretha come from?

The name Margaretha is derived from the Latin word margarita, which means 'pearl', and traces back to the Ancient Greek word margarites, which in turn comes from Persian.

How do you pronounce Margaretha?

The pronunciation of Margaretha is clear and consists of four to five syllables. In German, the name is typically pronounced as 'Mar-ga-re-tha' [maʁɡaˈʁeːta], with the stressed middle syllable ensuring a distinct sound. The open ending with 'a' gives the name a gentle touch. Overall, Margaretha comes across as classic and tradition-conscious, strong and structured.

When is the name day of Margaretha?

The most important name day for Margaretha falls on July 20, in honor of Saint Margareta of Antioch.

Popularity

Margaretha was a common female first name in Germany for many decades. In early rankings, Margaretha often held a good position and was among the established names. Its strongest period was in the 1930s, when it reached 75th place in 1933. Margaretha also remained relatively present in the 1940s and early 1950s. However, this changed over the course of the 20th century.

Nicknames & pet names

Gitti / Greetje / Greta / Gretchen / Grete / Gretel / Gretl / Gretti / Grit / Gritli / Magga / Maggy / Marga / Margi / Margit / Margot / Margret / Margreth / Margrit / Marit / Meta

Similar first names

Famous people

• Anna Margaretha Textor, née Lindheimer (grandmother of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe)
• Gerda Margaretha Jenssen (German model)
• Ida Margaretha Siegler von Eberswald (Russian actress)
• Margaretha Baumgartner (actress)
• Margaretha Benda (writer from Germany)
• Margaretha Börcherts (poet from Germany)
• Margaretha Bystrom (Swedish actress)
• Margaretha Elisabeth Reimarus (German writer)
• Margaretha Grosser (writer from Germany)
• Margaretha Kirch (French astronomer)
• Margaretha Krook (actress from Sweden)
• Margaretha Ley (Swedish designer)
• Margaretha Lindahl (curler)
• Margaretha Pedder (swimmer from Belgium)
• Margaretha Schwab-Plüss (Swiss writer)
• Margaretha Sigfridsson (Swedish curler)
• Margaretha Susanna Kayser (German soprano)
• Margaretha Susanna von Kuntsch (German writer)
• Margaretha van Godewijk (Dutch painter)
• Margaretha Vasalis (writer from the Netherlands)