Rising since 1985, #3,389 for girls today.
Popularity of Gittel since 1963
Babies named Gittel per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 16 |
| 1970s | 55 |
| 1980s | 127 |
| 1990s | 183 |
| 2000s | 330 |
| 2010s | 451 |
| 2020s | 317 |
Meaning & origin
Gittel is a Yiddish name that has been given to girls in the United States since at least 1963, when it first appeared in Social Security records. While its rank is modest at 3,389 in 2025, the name has seen a gradual rise in usage since the mid-1980s, a trajectory that suggests a growing interest in traditional Ashkenazi names. In its peak year of 2024, Gittel was most concentrated in New York, reflecting its ties to Orthodox Jewish communities. With about 1 in 35,717 girls receiving the name, it remains rare but recognizable. Gittel's origin as a diminutive of Margaret, meaning 'pearl', gives it a classic resonance, while its distinct Yiddish character sets it apart from more mainstream choices.
Gittel is a Yiddish feminine given name derived from Gitte, a diminutive of the German name Margaret. Margaret ultimately comes from the Greek margaritēs, meaning 'pearl'. In Jewish communities, Gittel has been used as a standalone name or as a nickname for women named Gitte or Margalit. It was particularly common among Ashkenazi Jews in Eastern Europe before the mid-20th century.
Where Gittel is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Gitty, Gitti, Gitel
Variants: Gitel, Gittl
Sibling names for Gittel
Names that share Gittel's style, for a brother or sister.
