At first glance, Reta may look like an alternative version of the baby name Rita, but it's typically pronounced with a soft “e,” like Greta instead. It hasn't been a popular baby name in the United States since the 1950s, making it more of a “grandma name” than anything, but it does appear to be on the rise again. Reta pairs well with most middle names.
Meaning of the name Reta:
Greek: Pearl
Origin of the name Reta:
Reta is most likely derived from the baby name Margaret, which means “pearl.”
Symbolism of the name Reta:
Because of its meaning, the baby name Reta may symbolize a pearl. The pearl is often thought of as a symbol of wisdom, serenity, loyalty, and purity.
Style of the name Reta:
Traditional
Gender of the name Reta:
Reta is a girl's name.
Pronunciation of the name Reta:
RHET-ah though some people may pronounce it REET-ah
Number of syllables in the name Reta:
Two
Emotion evoked from the name Reta:
The baby name Reta evokes images of someone who is kind and gentle.
Alternative spellings for the name Reta:
- Rheta
- Rhetta
- Rita
- Redda
- Reeda
Nicknames for the name Reta:
- Ree
Popularity of the name Reta:
According to the Social Security Administration, Reta was a top 1,000 baby name for girls in the United States up until 1959. It was most popular in 1935 when it ranked at number 476. It last ranked at number 994 in 1959.
Related names for the name Reta:
Great middle names for Reta and their meanings:
- Ivy (plant)
- Clementine (mild)
- Eve (life)
- Belle (beautiful)
- Claire (bright, clear)
- Mae (pearl)
- Sage (wise)
- Ophelia (help)
- Hazel (hazelnut tree)
Famous people with the name Reta:
- Reta Beebe (astronomer)
- Reta Cowley (painter)
- Reta Jo Lewis (diplomat and politician)
- Reta Shaw (actress)
- Reta Trotman (cyclist)
Retas in popular culture:
N/A