All about the name

Reta

Female

« Reta is a rare Hebrew female name meaning "friend" or "companion", inspired by King David's wife in the Old Testament, pronounced "REE-tah". »

#1800 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

Reta is a rare feminine given name that appears in European records from the early modern period onward. Its etymology is not definitively established, though it is sometimes associated with classical names.

Meaning of the name Reta

The exact etymology of Reta is not firmly established. It is occasionally linked to the Latin regina (queen) or to ancient Greek forms such as Rhēta. Any proposed meanings remain speculative due to limited historical documentation.

Origin of the name Reta

Attestations of the name appear in European records from the late medieval and early modern periods. Its development follows common patterns of name shortening and orthographic variation, such as Retta. The precise geographic origin remains uncertain.

History of the name Reta

Attestations of the name are found in European parish and civil records from the early modern period onward. It appears as a minor given name in various regional archives, with usage documented across several generations.

Variants and related forms

  • Regina: A classical Latin name sometimes associated with Reta.
  • Retta: A closely related spelling variant found in historical records.

Cultural heritage

The name has no significant presence in major religious calendars or canonical literature. Its historical usage appears limited to regional naming practices without documented symbolic associations.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Reta since 1880

Total births
8,616
Total since 1880
Peak year
1946
192 births
in 1998
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0% →
vs previous 5 years