Greta is an Old World name long tied to the exotic, iconic Garbo. Along with other Old Hollywood glamour names, Greta seems to be showing slight signs of a comeback; it was chosen by David Caruso and by Phoebe Cates and Kevin Kline for their daughters.
Greta is currently popular in Germany, Hungary, and especially Italy, where she ranks at Number 16. Dr. Greta Guttman is a character on Mad Men, Greta Van Susteren is a familiar face on TV, and Greta Gerwig is an up-and-coming young actress.
Greta returned to the Top 1000 in 1999, and hasn’t been this popular since the 1970s. Her highest point was at Number 318 in 1932, at the peak of Garbo's career, the year she starred in Grand Hotel and one year after she was Oscar-nominated for Anna Christie.
Greta is a sweet spot name--sophisticated with a touch of retro glamour. On the other hand, variant Gretel is still out strewing crumbs in the forest with brother Hansel.
