Rita

Pronunciation: [ r-EET-uh ]

Girl Name #1,399 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

A pearl of a name with old Hollywood glamour

Spanish Italian English Portuguese

Vintage Bold Classic Strong Elegant

Meaning & Origin

"pearl"

Origin: Latin via Greek

Language: English

"pearl, precious gem"

Origin: Sanskrit (alternate theory)

Language: Sanskrit

The Story of Rita

Rita is a shortened form of Margarita, the Latin and Spanish variant of Margaret, which comes from the Greek 'margarites' meaning 'pearl.' The name traveled across Europe through the veneration of Saint Rita of Cascia, the 15th-century Italian mystic known as the 'Saint of Impossible Cases.' Her popularity in Catholic communities spread the name throughout Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Latin America, where it became a beloved standalone name rather than just a nickname.

Rita peaked in American popularity in the 1940s-1950s, driven by glamorous Hollywood stars like Rita Hayworth and later Rita Moreno. Its use declined through the latter 20th century, giving it a vintage revival quality today among parents seeking classic names with personality.

In Catholic tradition, Saint Rita of Cascia (1381-1457) is one of the most beloved saints, patron of impossible causes. The name carries deep spiritual resonance in Italian and Spanish cultures. Rita Moreno made the name iconic in Latin American communities through her groundbreaking career as the first Latina EGOT winner.

Fun Facts

Saint Rita of Cascia bore a thorn wound on her forehead, believed to be from the Crown of Thorns, for 15 years
Rita Moreno is the only Latina performer to have won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony
The name Rita appears in Beethoven's opera 'Fidelio' and the film 'Educating Rita'

Rita in Other Languages

German Rita

Italian Rita

Spanish Rita

Japanese リタ

Portuguese Rita

Famous People Named Rita

Rita Ora

Musician

1990

British-Albanian pop singer and actress with multiple UK chart-toppers

Rita Moreno

Actor

1931

Puerto Rican-American actress, the first Latina EGOT winner, famous for West Side Story

Rita Hayworth

Actor

1918

Iconic Hollywood actress and dancer, one of the top box-office stars of the 1940s

Rita (film character) Fictional

Other

Protagonist of the 1983 British film 'Educating Rita,' a working-class woman pursuing education

Quick Facts

Gender: Girl
Syllables: 2
Popularity Rank: #1,399
Total SSA Count: 159
Cultural Origins: Spanish Italian English Portuguese
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Moderate
Cross-Cultural Ease: High

Common Nicknames

Reet Reets

Pairs Well With

Rita Marie Rita Anne Rita Grace Rita Claire Rita Elena Rita Isabelle

Sibling Names

Carmen Lola Marco Carlos Sofia Lucia Diego

Also a Boy Name

Rita is also used as a boy name, ranked #13955.

View Rita as a boy name →

Similar Names

Margaret Gretchen Greta Gretel Gittel Reza Nitya Grettel

Playground Safety

Kid-Friendly

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Frequently Asked Questions About Rita

What does the name Rita mean?

"pearl" (from Latin via Greek). "pearl, precious gem" (from Sanskrit (alternate theory)). Rita is a shortened form of Margarita, the Latin and Spanish variant of Margaret, which comes from the Greek 'margarites' meaning 'pearl.' The name traveled across Europe through the veneration of Saint Rita of Cascia, the 15th-century Italian mystic known as the 'Saint of Impossible Cases.' Her popularity in Catholic communities spread the name throughout Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Latin America, where it became a beloved standalone name rather than just a nickname.

What is the origin of the name Rita?

Rita has Latin via Greek, Sanskrit (alternate theory), Spanish, Italian, English, and Portuguese origins. In Latin via Greek, it means "pearl". In Sanskrit (alternate theory), it means "pearl, precious gem".

Is Rita a boy or girl name?

Rita is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #1399. As a boy name, it is ranked #13955. Rita is more commonly used as a girl name.

How do you pronounce Rita?

Rita is pronounced r-EET-uh.

How popular is the name Rita?

Rita is currently ranked #1399 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Rita?

Common nicknames for Rita include Reet and Reets.

What are good middle names for Rita?

Popular middle name pairings include Rita Marie, Rita Anne, Rita Grace, Rita Claire, Rita Elena, and Rita Isabelle.

What are good sibling names for Rita?

Names that pair well with Rita as siblings include Carmen, Lola, Marco, Carlos, Sofia, Lucia, and Diego.

How many syllables does Rita have?

Rita has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.

Is Rita a common or rare name?

Rita is an uncommon name, ranked #1399 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Rita

Rita is a girl name with Spanish, Italian, English, and Portuguese origins . The name means "pearl" in Latin via Greek .

Is Rita a boy or girl name? Rita is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #1,399 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #13,955. Rita is more commonly used as a girl name.

Rita is currently ranked #1,399 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

The name Rita has 2 syllables and is pronounced r-EET-uh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.

Common nicknames for Rita include Reet and Reets. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.