Find out how popular the first name Gretchen has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Gretchen by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Gretchen is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 100% of people named Gretchen being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 64 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Gretchen.

The history of the first name Gretchen

The name Gretchen is a German diminutive form of the name Greta, which ultimately derives from the Greek name Margaret. Margaret itself comes from the Greek word "margarites," meaning "pearl." The name Gretchen emerged as a pet form or nickname for Greta, with the addition of the diminutive suffix "-chen."

The earliest recorded use of the name Gretchen dates back to the late Middle Ages in Germany. It gained popularity during the Renaissance period and was particularly prevalent among German-speaking communities. One of the earliest notable individuals with the name Gretchen was Gretchen von Limburg, a 14th-century German noblewoman and benefactor.

In literature, the name Gretchen is closely associated with the character Gretchen in Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's famous play "Faust," published in 1808. Gretchen, the tragic heroine, became a symbol of innocent love and sacrifice, further popularizing the name in German-speaking regions.

Another notable Gretchen in history was Gretchen Brandt (1853-1929), a German painter and printmaker known for her landscapes and portraits. She was a prominent figure in the Berlin Secession art movement of the late 19th century.

In the field of music, Gretchen Wilson (born 1973) is a contemporary American country music singer-songwriter who gained fame in the early 2000s with her debut album "Here for the Party." She has won several awards, including a Grammy, and is known for her blend of traditional country and Southern rock styles.

Gretchen Mol (born 1972) is an American actress known for her roles in films such as "Rounders," "3:10 to Yuma," and the television series "Boardwalk Empire." She has been praised for her versatility and ability to portray complex characters.

While the name Gretchen has its roots in German culture, it has been adopted and used in various other cultures and languages over time, albeit with slight variations in spelling or pronunciation. The name continues to be popular, particularly in German-speaking countries and among those with German heritage or cultural connections.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Gretchen was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Gretchen, please contact us.

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