Meret
Fact sheet
- Name
- Meret
- Gender
- Girl name
- Syllables
- 2
Meret is a female first name that is used as a short form of Margarete or Margareta in the German, Low German, and Sami languages. Figuratively, the name is associated with 'the pearl,' which has its origin in the ancient Greek margarítēs (μαργαρίτης).
What does the name Meret mean?
The first name Meret is a short form of Margarete and is used in Germany as well as in Low German and Sami. In a broader sense, the name means 'the pearl,' based on the ancient Greek margarítēs (μαργαρίτης). Additionally, Meret is also regarded as a Swiss short form of Emerentia, which translates into German as 'the deserving one,' 'the worthy one,' and 'the honored one.' These derivations stem from the Latin term emereri, which means 'to serve out' or 'to earn.' The name is also found in Egyptian mythology, in the form of Meret or Merit Amun, the daughter of Pharaoh Ramses II, where it means 'the beloved of Amun.' The Germanized form is reflected in the term 'Meriten' (merits), similar to the French 'pour le mérite.' Variations of the name include Merete, Mereth, Merethe, Maret, Merit, Merrit, and Merritt. Notable bearers of the name include Meret Becker, the actress, and the artist Meret Oppenheim.
Where does the name Meret come from?
The name Meret has its roots in ancient Greek and Latin and means 'the pearl' or 'the deserving one.' The ancient Greek etymology margarítēs (μαργαρίτης) stands for 'the pearl,' while the Latin emereri means 'to serve out' or 'to earn.' Meret is found in several languages, including Danish, German, Low German, and Sami.
How do you pronounce Meret?
Meret has a two-syllable and phonetically reduced structure. In German pronunciation, the name is usually pronounced as 'Me-ret' [ˈmeːʁət]. The first syllable begins with a long, clear 'Me,' conveying openness. The gentle 'r' flows smoothly into the second syllable, while the final 't' provides a precise, distinct endpoint. This gives Meret a calm and factual quality – simple in form, yet still present.
When is the name day of Meret?
Meret celebrates her name day on several dates: February 22, June 20, July 20, October 17, October 29, and November 16.
Popularity
In Germany, Meret is a common first name and currently ranks 4,045th on the list of the most popular female baby names. Its best placement was in 2006, when it reached rank 333. In the last ten years, Meret has been given as a first name about 120 times, placing it 2,185th in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, it ranks 1,782nd.
Nicknames & pet names
Me / Meerettich / Mehet / Meme / Mera / Mere / Merete / Meretich / Merettich / Meretto / Meri / Merot / Merri / Mert / Merto / Meter / Metti / Moeret / Mörek / Möret / Rettich
Similar first names
Famous people
- Meret Becker (actress)
- Meret Eichler (painter)
- Meret Matter (theater director from Switzerland)
- Meret Oppenheim (1913–1985), German-Swiss surrealist artist)
- Meret Oppenheimer (painter)
- Merete Peterson (Danish footballer)
Frequently asked questions about the name Meret
How is the name Meret pronounced?
The name Meret is generally pronounced as 'Me-ret,' with the emphasis on the first syllable.
What nicknames are there for Meret?
Common nicknames for Meret include Me, Mera, Meri, and Meerettich. These variants offer a personal touch and can be used according to preference.
In which languages is the name Meret used?
Meret is found in several languages, including Danish, German, Low German, and Sami. This diversity reflects the cultural significance of the name.
What are the origins of the name Meret?
The name Meret has its roots in ancient Greek and Latin. It means among other things 'the pearl' and 'the deserving one,' indicating its deeper cultural significance.