Find out how popular the first name Reta has been for the last 25 years (from 1974 to 1998) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Reta by gender

Based on the last 25 years of data, Reta is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1998, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Reta.

The history of the first name Reta

The name Reta is of Greek origin, deriving from the word "rhetos," which means "said" or "spoken." It is a feminine form of the masculine name Rhetos and is believed to have originated in ancient Greece during the classical period.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Reta can be found in ancient Greek literature, where it was used as a character name in several plays and poems. It was particularly popular among the aristocratic classes of ancient Athens and Sparta.

In the 5th century BC, there was a notable Athenian woman named Reta, who was a philosopher and a student of Socrates. She is mentioned in Plato's dialogues as a participant in some of Socrates' discussions on ethics and virtue.

During the Byzantine era, the name Reta was associated with Christian martyrs and saints. One such figure was Saint Reta of Antinoe, who lived in the 3rd century AD and was renowned for her piety and charitable works.

In the Middle Ages, the name Reta gained popularity in various European regions, particularly in Italy and France. One notable bearer of the name was Reta of Avignon, a 14th-century French noblewoman known for her patronage of the arts and her influence in the court of Pope Clement VI.

Another famous bearer of the name was Reta Guyer (1892-1976), a Swiss painter and illustrator who was part of the Expressionist movement in the early 20th century. Her works are celebrated for their vivid colors and bold brushstrokes.

In the realm of literature, Reta Nansen (1858-1907) was a Norwegian writer and the wife of the famous explorer Fridtjof Nansen. She published several novels and memoirs documenting her travels and experiences.

The name Reta has also been present in the field of music. Reta Walter (1875-1959) was an American opera singer and vocal teacher who performed with the Metropolitan Opera in New York City during the early 20th century.

While the name Reta may not be as common today as it once was, it carries a rich history and a connection to various cultures and periods, reflecting its Greek origins and its journey through different eras and regions.

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

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

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