Gretchen
Meaning of Gretchen
The name Gretchen is of German origin, derived from the diminutive form of "Margarete," which means "pearl." Pronounced as GREH-tkhuhn in German and GRET-chuhn in English, this charming name has a rich cultural heritage. Though it has variations like Greta, Gretchen stands out with its unique blend of strength and elegance. Historically, the name gained popularity in the United States during the early 20th century, peaking in usage around the 1920s. Despite a decline in recent years, it continues to be cherished by parents who appreciate its classic appeal and timeless beauty.
Pronunciation
German
- Pronunced as GREH-tkhuhn (/ˈɡʁɛtçən/)
American English
- Pronunced as GRET-chuhn (/ˈɡrɛtʃən/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
States Popularity Chart
Notable People Named Gretchen
| Gretchen Esther Whitmer is the 49th governor of Michigan and a member of the Democratic Party, with a background in law and politics. |
| Gretchen Walsh is a record-breaking American swimmer who has achieved numerous world junior and American records in various swimming events. |
| Gretchen, also known as Maria Odete Brito de Miranda de Souza, is a Brazilian singer and media personality, recognized for reinventing her music and image, and for maintaining autonomy within the music industry. |
| Gretchen Mol is a well-known American actress and former model, recognized for her role as Gillian Darmody on the HBO series Boardwalk Empire and for her appearances in various films. |
| Gretchen Craft Rubin is an American author, blogger, and speaker. |
| Gretchen Keppel-Aleks is an American scientist and assistant professor at the University of Michigan, specializing in Earth's climate and the impact of greenhouse gases on the atmosphere. |
| Gretchen Miller Kafoury was a prominent American politician who served in the Oregon House of Representatives, the Multnomah County Commission, and the Portland City Council. |
| Gretchen Phillips is an American singer-songwriter known for her humorous and topical songs, and she has been openly gay throughout her life, inspiring much of her material. |
| Gretchen Hofmann is a renowned professor of ecological physiology of marine organisms at the University of California, Santa Barbara, with degrees from the University of Wyoming and the University of Colorado at Boulder. |
| Gretchen Brewin, also known as Patricia Gretchen Mann Brewin, is a Canadian politician. |
| Gretchen Peters is an American singer and songwriter known for her hit compositions and successful solo career. |
| Gretchen Baer is an American painter and performance artist based in Bisbee, Arizona. |
| Gretchen Oehler was a well-known American actress, best known for portraying Vivien Gorrow on the soap operas Another World and Texas. |
| Gretchen Anne Rush, also known as Gretchen Magers, is a former professional tennis player from the United States who was active in the 1980s and early 1990s. |
| Gretchen Stumhofer is an American professional racing cyclist known for her time with Sho-Air Twenty20 and Colavita/Bianchi. |
