Gréta is a feminine given name used in Hungarian and Icelandic. It is a short form of Margaréta in Hungarian and of Margrét in Icelandic, all ultimately derived from Margaret, which comes from the Greek word margarites, meaning "pearl."EtymologyThe root Margaret has a rich history, tracing back through Latin Margarita to Greek μαργαρίτης (margarites), meaning "pearl." The word was likely borrowed from an Indo-Iranian language. In Hungarian, the name took the form Margaréta, from which Gréta is contracted, while in Icelandic, it is a contraction of Margrét.Cultural SignificanceThe name gained popularity due to Saint Margaret, a 4th-century martyr who was the patron of expectant mothers, and later legends associated her with a dragon. The name Margaret was popular throughout the Christian world in the Middle Ages and remained a top name for girls in English-speaking countries well into the 20th century. Gréta, as a shorter variant, has become common in Hungary and Iceland, often used as an independent name rather than a mere nickname.Notable BearersNotable Hungarian and Icelandic bearers include Gréta Arn (born 1979), a Hungarian tennis player, and Gréta Gregorová (born 2001), a Slovak politician of Hungarian descent. The name is also internationally well-known through Swedish actress Greta Garbo (1905–1990) and American actress and filmmaker Greta Gerwig (born 1983). Other notable figures include Greta Andersen (1927–2023), a Danish swimmer, and Greta Thunberg (born 2003), the Swedish environmental activist who brought the name into global prominence.Meaning: Pearl (from Greek margarites)Origin: Hungarian and Icelandic short form of Margaréta/MargrétType: Feminine given nameUsed in: Hungary, Iceland