Grete

German, diminutive of Margarethe

"pearl"

Grete Origin and Meaning

The name Grete is a girl's name.

Grete is a feminine name of German origin, serving as a diminutive form of Margaret or Margareta. Derived from the Greek 'margarites' meaning 'pearl,' this name carries a sense of preciousness and elegance. Grete gained notable popularity in Northern European countries, particularly in Germany, Austria, and Scandinavian regions. The name experienced peak usage during the early to mid-20th century but has become less common in recent decades, giving it a vintage charm. Grete offers a distinctive alternative to more common Margaret variations, combining traditional roots with a concise, crisp sound that feels both classic and refreshing.

Famous People Named Grete

• Grete Waitz Norwegian Olympic marathon runner
• Grete (Henry )Hermann, German mathematician and philosopher
• Grete Faremo Norwegian politician
• Grete Treier Estonian cyclist
• Grete Šadeiko Estonian heptathlete
• Grete Frische Danish actress
• Margarete Emma Dorothea "Grete" Mosheim German actress
• Johanna Margarete "Grete" Sultan German,American pianist
• Grete Nordrå Norwegian actress
• Margarete "Grete" Adler Austrian swimmer
• Grete Berget Norwegian politician
• Grete Paia Estonian singer
• Anne Grete Hjelle Strøm,Erichsen, Norwegian politician; former Minister of Defense
• Anne Grete Preus Norwegian rock singer

The name Grete in Pop Culture

• "Grete Minde " 1977 Austrian,German drama film and its main character
• Grete Samsa character in Franz Kafka's The Metamorphosis