Rita
Rita is a Christian girl name of Spanish / Italian, from Greek origin, meaning “Pearl”.
| Meaning | Pearl |
|---|---|
| Gender | Girl |
| Origin | Spanish / Italian, from Greek |
| Pronunciation | REE-tuh |
| Tradition | Christian |
| Used in | Italy, Spain, Portugal, India |
Meaning and origin of Rita
Rita began as a short form of Margarita, the Spanish and Italian form of Margaret, from the Greek margarites, 'pearl'. It became a name in its own right through Saint Rita of Cascia, a fifteenth-century Italian nun whose original name was Margherita. In the twentieth century it spread across Europe and the Americas, helped by the film star Rita Hayworth and the singer Rita Moreno.
Is Rita a Christian name?
Rita is a Catholic name honouring Saint Rita of Cascia, patron of impossible causes and of troubled marriages.
How popular is Rita?
Popular in the mid-twentieth century; now less common, though still familiar in southern Europe and India.
Gifts with the name Rita
- Rita name necklaces & bracelets (Amazon)
- Personalised Rita baby gifts (Amazon)
- Christian baby gifts & books (Amazon)
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Spellings and variants of Rita
Names similar to Rita
More Christian girl names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Rita mean?
Rita means 'Pearl'. It is of Spanish / Italian, from Greek origin.
Is Rita a Christian name?
Rita is a Catholic name honouring Saint Rita of Cascia, patron of impossible causes and of troubled marriages.
How do you pronounce Rita?
Rita is pronounced REE-tuh.
Is Rita a boy or girl name?
Rita is usually a girl name.