Rita Girl
Origin(s)
PronunciationREE-tah / ˈriːtəLatin; Spanish
Meaning
Latin: pearl; Spanish: a diminutive of Margarita
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Rita is derived from the Spanish and Italian diminutive of the name Margarita, which originates from the Greek word "margaritēs," meaning "pearl." The Greek term was adopted into Latin as "margarita," which also retained the same meaning. The name Margarita has been used in various forms across different cultures, including the Old French "Marguerite," which further influenced the development of the name in English. The transition into English occurred through the Norman Conquest in the 11th century, when many names of French origin were integrated into the English language, leading to the eventual emergence of Rita as a standalone name in the 19th century.
Historically, the name Rita has been associated with several notable figures and religious contexts. One significant milestone is the veneration of Saint Rita of Cascia, an Italian saint from the 15th century, who is often invoked for difficult causes and is celebrated on May 22. Her life story, marked by themes of suffering and reconciliation, contributed to the name's association with resilience and hope. The name gained further recognition through various literary and artistic works, including its mention in the context of saints and religious texts, which helped solidify its place in cultural history.
Culturally, Rita has come to symbolize purity and beauty, echoing the connotations of its root meaning, "pearl." The name has been embraced in various artistic expressions, including literature and music, often representing feminine strength and virtue. The diminutive form "Rita" has been used affectionately in many cultures, reflecting a sense of intimacy and endearment. Overall, the name Rita carries with it a rich tapestry of linguistic evolution and cultural significance, rooted in its historical and religious associations.
Trend Summary
Rita experienced peak popularity in the early to mid-20th century but has seen a decline in usage in recent decades.
Similar Names
Variants
- Rita
- Ritty
International Variants
- Rita (Italian)
- Rita (Spanish)
- Rita (Portuguese)
Famous people named Rita
Rita Hayworth is an actress and dancer best known for Gilda, The Lady from Shanghai, and Cover Girl.
Rita Moreno is an actress, dancer, and singer best known for West Side Story, The King and I, and One Day at a Time.
Rita Wilson is an actress and producer best known for Sleepless in Seattle, Jingle All the Way, and My Big Fat Greek Wedding.
Rita Ora is a singer and actress best known for Hot Right Now, I Will Never Let You Down, and Fifty Shades of Grey.
Fictional characters named Rita
Rita Skeeter is a fictional character from the book series Harry Potter. She is a journalist known for her sensationalist reporting and her role in the events surrounding Harry and his friends.
Rita Repulsa is a fictional character from the TV series Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. She is a powerful sorceress and one of the main antagonists who frequently battles the Power Rangers.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Rita was first seen in the United States in 1880. Rita has ranked as high as #102 nationally, which occurred in 1949, and has been most popular in New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Massachusetts. In the past 5 years the name Rita has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Rita (2024)
State | Births | Share |
---|---|---|
CA | 23 | |
NY | 12 | |
IL | 11 | |
TX | 9 | |
OH | 8 | |
VA | 7 | |
MN | 7 | |
FL | 6 | |
NJ | 6 | |
PA | 6 | |
MA | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
Year | Births |
---|---|
1880 | 19 |
1881 | 20 |
1882 | 21 |
1883 | 15 |
1884 | 24 |
1885 | 31 |
1886 | 28 |
1887 | 40 |
1888 | 52 |
1889 | 75 |
1890 | 54 |
1891 | 65 |
1892 | 87 |
1893 | 95 |
1894 | 104 |
1895 | 105 |
1896 | 109 |
1897 | 117 |
1898 | 146 |
1899 | 147 |
1900 | 162 |
1901 | 135 |
1902 | 148 |
1903 | 174 |
1904 | 166 |
1905 | 188 |
1906 | 203 |
1907 | 266 |
1908 | 255 |
1909 | 295 |
1910 | 333 |
1911 | 403 |
1912 | 636 |
1913 | 1,096 |
1914 | 2,010 |
1915 | 3,063 |
1916 | 3,477 |
1917 | 3,870 |
1918 | 4,447 |
1919 | 4,515 |
1920 | 4,979 |
1921 | 5,157 |
1922 | 4,976 |
1923 | 5,095 |
1924 | 5,381 |
1925 | 5,323 |
1926 | 5,015 |
1927 | 5,084 |
1928 | 4,810 |
1929 | 4,767 |
1930 | 5,470 |
1931 | 4,613 |
1932 | 4,255 |
1933 | 3,841 |
1934 | 3,683 |
1935 | 3,579 |
1936 | 3,333 |
1937 | 3,421 |
1938 | 3,357 |
1939 | 3,188 |
1940 | 3,442 |
1941 | 3,879 |
1942 | 4,706 |
1943 | 5,011 |
1944 | 4,530 |
1945 | 4,282 |
1946 | 5,533 |
1947 | 5,982 |
1948 | 5,835 |
1949 | 6,654 |
1950 | 6,423 |
1951 | 6,415 |
1952 | 6,148 |
1953 | 6,284 |
1954 | 6,536 |
1955 | 6,094 |
1956 | 6,055 |
1957 | 6,018 |
1958 | 5,341 |
1959 | 4,951 |
1960 | 5,027 |
1961 | 4,534 |
1962 | 4,101 |
1963 | 3,807 |
1964 | 3,470 |
1965 | 3,065 |
1966 | 2,688 |
1967 | 2,380 |
1968 | 2,073 |
1969 | 1,736 |
1970 | 1,589 |
1971 | 1,419 |
1972 | 1,199 |
1973 | 1,031 |
1974 | 993 |
1975 | 883 |
1976 | 859 |
1977 | 802 |
1978 | 892 |
1979 | 881 |
1980 | 840 |
1981 | 855 |
1982 | 709 |
1983 | 592 |
1984 | 608 |
1985 | 588 |
1986 | 544 |
1987 | 518 |
1988 | 485 |
1989 | 412 |
1990 | 434 |
1991 | 423 |
1992 | 390 |
1993 | 341 |
1994 | 318 |
1995 | 296 |
1996 | 303 |
1997 | 240 |
1998 | 246 |
1999 | 228 |
2000 | 251 |
2001 | 270 |
2002 | 244 |
2003 | 199 |
2004 | 216 |
2005 | 220 |
2006 | 207 |
2007 | 210 |
2008 | 186 |
2009 | 166 |
2010 | 176 |
2011 | 169 |
2012 | 169 |
2013 | 182 |
2014 | 171 |
2015 | 190 |
2016 | 210 |
2017 | 207 |
2018 | 185 |
2019 | 169 |
2020 | 185 |
2021 | 150 |
2022 | 178 |
2023 | 164 |
2024 | 159 |