Maret is a feminine Estonian given name, functioning as a local form of Margaret. The name Margaret ultimately derives from Latin Margarita, which came from Greek μαργαρίτης (margarites) meaning "pearl", a term likely borrowed from an Indo-Iranian language.Notable BearersIn Estonia, Maret has been borne by several notable women. Maret Ani (born 1982) is a professional tennis player who has represented Estonia in Fed Cup competition. Maret Maripuu (born 1974) served as Estonia's Minister of Social Affairs from 2007 to 2009 and earlier held a seat in the Riigikogu, the national parliament. Maret Merisaar (born 1958) is a biologist and former politician who was active in the Estonian pro-independence movement. Maret Kernumees (1934–1997) was an artist known for her textile and graphic works. Outside Estonia, the name also appears in Sweden: Märet Jonsdotter (1644–1672) was an alleged witch whose trial is a noted episode in Swedish history. Maret Balkestein-Grothues (born 1988) is a Dutch volleyball player who has competed at the Olympic level, though her given name reflects Dutch familiarity with the Estonian variant.Cultural SignificanceMaret is a quintessential example of how the name Margaret was adapted across Northern Europe. In Estonian, the form is concise and phonetically smooth, often paired with related diminutives such as Mare and Reet. Variants like Merit 2, Margareeta, and Margit also occur in Estonian. Among surname bearers is the French statesman Hugues-Bernard Maret, duc de Bassano (1763–1839), whose family name shares the same spelling and likely originates from the Norman French version of Margaret.Distribution and UseThe name Maret is firmly anchored in Estonia, where it has been a staple since early recorded usage. It appears in census data and birth records through the 20th century, though its popularity has fluctuated. Worldwide, the name is comparatively rare but carries recognition due to Estonian diaspora communities and international figures such as tennis player Maret Ani.Meaning: PearlOrigin: Estonian form of Margaret (from Greek μαργαρίτης)Type: Feminine given nameUSages: Estonia, sporadically in other countries via migration