The nameRita
Rita is a short form of Margarita. It was a top 50 American name around 1930.
- Girl's name
- Greek
- Feast day
Meaning
Rita comes from Margarita, from the Greek margarites, "pearl".
Origin
Greek, through Italian and Spanish.
History
Saint Rita of Cascia is the patron of impossible causes. In the United States Rita reached 42nd place in 1930. Rita Hayworth made it glamorous.
Famous people named Rita
- Saint Rita of Cascia
- Rita Hayworth, actress
- Rita Moreno, actress
- Rita Ora, singer
Popularity of the name Rita
Rita in the United States
Rita was most popular in the United States in the 1950s, with 60,390 births over the decade, 21% of all recorded babies named Rita. Its rise began around 1913, and it peaked in 1949. Half of all babies named Rita in the United States were born before 1945, so it is mostly a grandparents' generation name. Over the last five years on record, its popularity has held steady at around 167 births a year.
Rita in the United Kingdom
Rita was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2010s, with 541 births over the decade, 48% of all recorded babies named Rita. Half of all babies named Rita in the United Kingdom were born before 2016, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, its popularity has held steady at around 58 births a year.
Rita in Ireland
Rita in France
Rita in Austria
Rita in Norway
Sibling names for Rita
Names from the same generation as Rita, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Rita? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Rita with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Rita side by side with the name of your choice.
Rita in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Rita mean?
Rita comes from Margarita, from the Greek margarites, "pearl".
What is the origin of the name Rita?
Greek, through Italian and Spanish.
Is Rita a girl's or a boy's name?
Rita is a girl's name.
How popular is the name Rita?
In 2024, Rita was the 1398th most popular name for baby girls in the United States, with 159 births.
What are good sibling names for Rita?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Corinne, Irene, Barbara and Doris for a sister, Eugene, Stephan, Dimitri and Pierre for a brother.
Who are famous people named Rita?
Saint Rita of Cascia; Rita Hayworth, actress; Rita Moreno, actress; Rita Ora, singer.