Rita is a female given name that originates from the ancient Greek language. It is derived from the word "arête," which means "virtue" or "excellence." The name is believed to have been in use as early as the 5th century BC among the ancient Greeks.

In Greek mythology, Rita was a minor goddess associated with fertility and the protection of women during childbirth. She was often depicted as a young woman carrying a basket of fruit, symbolizing abundance and prosperity.

The name Rita spread throughout Europe during the Middle Ages, particularly in Italy, Spain, and Portugal. It was popularized by the veneration of Saint Rita of Cascia, an Italian Augustinian nun who lived from 1381 to 1457. She is known for her devotion to Christ and her ability to perform miracles, and is the patron saint of impossible causes and difficult marriages.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Rita comes from the 12th century, when a Spanish noblewoman named Rita de Guzmán was mentioned in historical records. In the 16th century, Rita de Bartonville was a French mystic and herbalist who was renowned for her healing powers.

Throughout history, several notable women have borne the name Rita. Rita Levi-Montalcini (1909-2012) was an Italian Nobel Prize-winning neurologist who made groundbreaking discoveries in the field of neuroscience. Rita Hayworth (1918-1987) was an American actress and dancer, known for her iconic roles in films such as "Gilda" and "The Lady from Shanghai."

Rita Coolidge is an American singer-songwriter born in 1945, known for her work in the genres of rock, pop, and country music. Rita Moreno (born 1931) is a Puerto Rican actress, dancer, and singer who is one of the few performers to have won all four major American entertainment awards: an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony.

Rita Dove (born 1952) is an American poet and essayist who served as the Poet Laureate of the United States from 1993 to 1995. She is known for her lyrical and insightful works that explore themes of identity, culture, and the human experience.