Gretal

German, diminutive of Margarethe

"pearl"

Gretal Origin and Meaning

The name Gretal is a girl's name.

Gretal is a feminine name that serves as a variant spelling of Gretel, which itself is a German diminutive of Margaret, meaning 'pearl.' Made famous through the Grimm Brothers' fairy tale 'Hansel and Gretel,' the name carries a whimsical, folkloric quality. This particular spelling with one 't' is less common than Gretel, giving it a distinctive touch. Though not widely used in English-speaking countries, Gretal maintains popularity in German-speaking regions and among families with German heritage. The name evokes images of European fairy tales and carries a sense of innocence and resilience, reflective of the character who cleverly escaped the witch's cottage in the beloved story.