I’m in love with the name [name]Greta[/name], but am worried that it has too much cultural affiliation. We are not Swedish. My mom’s family is of [name]German[/name] descent, but it’s not a huge part of her/our identity.
I like it, in part, because [name]Margaret[/name] is a common name in my family. [name]Greta[/name] is similar to [name]Margaret[/name] - but different enough.
So, would it be odd for me to name my daughter [name]Greta[/name], since we don’t have the cultural background? Or has the name evolved into one that is suitably “American” over the years? We have a couple other names we also really like - so please be honest.
I think it’s perfectly fine. I know of a couple who just named their newborn [name]Greta[/name] who aren’t of Swedish or [name]German[/name] background to my knowledge. Especially since there’s so many Margarets in your family, that’s reason enough, if you simply liking it doesn’t feel like a substantial enough reason.
It’s so far a little “unusual” in the US, I think! but it is one of those names that imports easily, like some Irish or French names, you don’t have to be Irish to be [name]Erin[/name] or French to be [name]Michelle[/name]. Sorry, these aren’t modern examples.
I think some common imports all seem to be from certain countries in more of a big trend at any one time, so picking something [name]German[/name] or Scandinavian right now isn’t very common, but it seems ok, it’s not hard to pronounce or extremely unusual. There is some subjective borderline where I think a name becomes fairly difficult to use if you aren’t from the source of the name itself. I love the name [name]Greta[/name] (but I am also part [name]German[/name]!)
I think it is fine. If someone asks, you can say you were honoring all the Margarets in your family. And hey, there was a pretty famous actress from the 20s and 30s named [name]Greta[/name] [name]Garbo[/name]. And there is also the I just liked the name defense.
I love [name]Greta[/name]! I know about three Gretas, none of which (as far as I know) are Swedish or [name]German[/name]. I think it’s totally and completely fine, and if someone does think you’re Swedish or [name]German[/name] based on the name, so what? Oh, and also, I live in the US.
[name]Greta[/name] is a beautiful name. I think it is fine without german or swedish ancestry. definitely not an unusual name despite not being common.
I am Swedish and let me tell you that [name]Greta[/name] is a very uncommon name in [name]Sweden[/name] now a days. It is seldom heard. So go ahead and name your baby [name]Greta[/name], I think it has become more of an American name now anyway! Good luck!
[name]Greta[/name] is so pretty–but not especially Scandinavian or [name]German[/name] sounding. Go for it. I just might add [name]Greta[/name] to my list because I am Swedish and my husband is [name]German[/name].
Unless there is a strong association of a name with a specific culture/group you are pretty open to a wide variety of names. I’d say go for it. [name]Greta[/name] is a lovely name and isn’t one that is offensive if used by a wide variety of people. Go for it.
