Reet is an Estonian feminine given name, derived as a short form of Margareeta, which itself is a variant of Margaret. The name ultimately traces back to the Greek word margaritēs meaning "pearl," a term likely borrowed from an Indo-Iranian language.EtymologyThe root name Margaret has a long history, associated with the early Christian martyr Saint Margaret of Antioch. Legends claim she was swallowed by a dragon but escaped unharmed, making her a patron of expectant mothers. The name gained widespread popularity in the Christian world, becoming a common English name, particularly popular in the early 20th century.Reet (since it originated as a Finnic form), however, developed independently in Estonia, following a pattern where short forms of longer names are often used as given names. Estonian naming tradition frequently utilizes short forms derived from well-known names like Margareeta.Distribution and PopularityAs of January 2021 , 2,833 women in Estonia were named Reet, making it the 46th most common female name in the country. The name is most prevalent in Viljandi County, with a high per capita frequency.Notable BearersSeveral notable Estonian individuals have borne the name, including Reet Aus, a television and film personality involved in recycling clothing, Reet Linna, a journalist and composer, and Reet Krusten, a specialist in children's literature.Key FactsMeaning: PearlOrigin: Estonian; ultimately derived from Greek margaritesType: Short form or variant of MargareetaUsage: