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

Popularity of Gretel by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Gretel is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 49 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Gretel.

The history of the first name Gretel

The name Gretel originates from the German language and culture. It is a diminutive form of the name Greta, which is derived from the Germanic root "gred" or "graid," meaning "pearl" or "grain." This suggests that the name may have been inspired by the value and beauty associated with pearls or grains.

Gretel gained widespread recognition through the famous fairy tale "Hansel and Gretel," first published in the 19th century by the Brothers Grimm. In the story, Gretel is the brave and resourceful young sister who helps her brother Hansel escape from the clutches of a wicked witch. This literary association has deeply ingrained the name in the cultural consciousness.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Gretel was Gretel Bergmann, a German high jumper and athlete who competed in the 1936 Berlin Olympics (1914-2017). Her participation in the Olympics, despite facing discrimination from the Nazi regime, made her a symbol of resilience and defiance against injustice.

Another notable figure was Gretel Ehrlich (born 1946), an American writer, poet, and filmmaker known for her works exploring the relationship between humans and nature, particularly in the Arctic regions. Her poetic and insightful writings have garnered critical acclaim.

In the realm of visual arts, Gretel Lueken (1905-1999) was a German-American painter and printmaker who gained recognition for her vibrant and expressive works, often depicting scenes from everyday life and nature.

Gretel Bergmann (1914-2017), mentioned earlier, was not only an athlete but also a lifelong advocate for civil rights and social justice. Her courageous stand against the Nazi regime's oppressive policies has inspired generations of activists.

Lastly, Gretel Killeen (born 1962) is an Australian television personality, comedian, and writer known for her quick wit and comedic talent. She has hosted various popular television shows and has also written several books, showcasing her versatility as an entertainer and author.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals who have carried the name Gretel throughout history, each leaving their mark in various fields and contributing to the rich tapestry of human endeavors.

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 Gretel was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!