Gretchen is a traditionally feminine name of German origin, meaning "little pearl. " It is a diminutive of the more widely-known name Margaret, derived from the Latin Margarita and the Greek word margarites, symbolizing a pearl. The name gained popularity in the 19th century due to Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's play "Faust, " where the character Gretchen is a significant figure. Over time, the name has evolved from being a common diminutive form in German-speaking countries to a standalone name in the United States. Gretchen is now associated with qualities like power, and wisdom, making it a meaningful and elegant choice for parents.
