Rita: Name Day, Name Meaning & More

Name days offer a tradition in many cultures, providing an opportunity to celebrate individuals based on the saint or calendar associated with their given name. The name Rita boasts a significant history, having gained prominence worldwide, notably peaking in the United States decades ago. Linguistically, this name serves as an abbreviation of a longer classical form, relating back to the meaning of “pearl.” The inherent mood of Rita is one of assertive elegance and vintage strength, giving it a memorable quality. Furthermore, Rita is celebrated across numerous international name day calendars, including dates such as May 22nd in much of Europe and June 10th in the USA.

Name Day: Dates by Country

Rita's name day is celebrated
on February 17 in Finland,
February 18 in Estonia,
April 29 in Lithuania and Poland,
May 6 in Sweden,
May 22 in Austria, Croatia, France, Germany, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland and Spain,
June 10 in the USA,
July 27 in Norway and
November 28 in Latvia.

The Story Behind This Name

The name Rita has a long-standing history of use, particularly flourishing across Europe and the Americas in the early to mid-20th century. In the United States, it enjoyed peak popularity during the 1930s and 1940s, embodying a vintage Hollywood glamor aesthetic. Although its frequency has decreased in recent decades, it maintains recognition as a classic, straightforward choice. The name remains consistently popular in numerous parts of the world, especially in Romance language countries like Italy, Spain, and Portugal. It is also well-established in various Slavic and Scandinavian regions, often recognized for its concise, appealing sound.

Name origin and meaning

The name Rita is traditionally recognized as a short form, frequently derived from the longer classical name Margherita. This connection links Rita to the ancient Greek term meaning “pearl.” While short, the name has long since achieved independent status as a given name across many cultures. Its widespread use in Mediterranean regions emphasizes its strong Latin and Greek linguistic roots. It conveys a simplicity while retaining the established pedigree of its longer forms.

Name Identity: Gender Classification

Rita is overwhelmingly and almost exclusively classified as a feminine given name throughout the world. There is virtually no historical or modern use documented for males in any major linguistic or geographic region. Its identity is strongly tied to traditional female naming conventions, particularly in Europe and the Americas. Even where the name is modernized or appears exotic, it retains its female classification. Therefore, Rita is universally considered a strictly female name.

The Name Effect: Mood, Tone & Personality

The name Rita projects a straightforward and classic mood, suggesting strength tempered with vintage elegance. It has a concise, memorable tone that often feels lively and slightly fiery due to its strong association with Latin culture. The name avoids overly soft or playful connotations, leaning instead toward maturity and reliability. It evokes a feeling of simple sophistication and a powerful, enduring presence. Rita provides a compelling blend of traditional comfort and assertive personality.

Mirror Magic: Rita & Atir

Some names hold a hidden surprise—when reversed, they reveal another beautiful and valid name. This playful symmetry adds a unique charm, making the pair feel like secret reflections of each other. Whether by chance or design, these reversible names create a fascinating linguistic connection between two identities.

See also: Atir: Name Day, Name Meaning & More

Unlocking the Hidden Meaning of Name: Rita

Your name is more than just a label - it holds a unique energy that influences your personality, destiny, and life path. Through numerology and astrology, we uncover the deeper meanings behind your name, revealing your strengths, challenges, and the energy you bring into the world.

Pythagorean Numerology: The Hidden Meaning of Name

Destiny number: 3 – The Communicator.
Keywords: Creativity, joy, social expression, charisma, inspiration.
Positive Traits: Artistic, optimistic, outgoing, charming, entertaining.
Challenges: Can be superficial, scattered, or struggle with focus and discipline.
Life Path Meaning: A life of creative expression, communication, and optimism.

Chaldean Numerology: Name Energy and Spiritual Insights

First name number: 8 - The Achiever.
Traits: Ambitious, goal-oriented, authoritative, financially focused.
Strengths: Strong leadership, good at managing money, disciplined.
Challenges: Can be materialistic, dominant, or overly focused on success.

The Cosmic Secret Code: What The Name Says About You

The name is linked to the planet that governs it, shaping the name's meaning and influencing the traits associated with it.
Planet: Jupiter - Expansion, Luck, Wisdom.
Jupiter is the planet of abundance, wisdom, and higher learning. Names ruled by Jupiter are often linked to individuals with a strong sense of optimism, generosity, and a love for adventure. These names carry a vibration of success, good fortune, and the pursuit of knowledge. People with Jupiter-ruled names often have a philosophical mindset and a natural ability to inspire others.

Name days: Name Rita

This list shows name days in different countries where the name is written in the same form. The dates are based on traditional calendars and cultural name celebrations. If your name matches exactly, you can see when it is honored in various parts of the world.

Country	Month	Day	Name days
Finland	February	17	Karita, Rita, Väinämö, Väinö
Estonia	February	18	Karita, Karme, Karmen, Rita
Lithuania	April	29	Augustinas, Indre, Rita, Tarmantas
Poland	April	29	Angelina, Augustyn, Bogusław, Hugo, Hugon, Paulin, Piotr, Rita, Robert, Roberta, Sybilla
Sweden	May	6	Marit, Rita
Austria	May	22	Julia, Ortwin, Rita
Croatia	May	22	Jagoda, Jelena, Milan, Renata, Rita
France	May	22	Emile, Quitterie, Rita
Germany	May	22	Rita
Hungary	May	22	Júlia, Rita
Lithuania	May	22	Aldona, Eimantas, Elena, Julija, Rita
Poland	May	22	Emil, Helena, Jan, Julia, Krzesisława, Rita, Wiesław, Wiesława, Wisława
Spain	May	22	Emilio, Rita, Rosana
USA	June	10	Daisy, Greta, Gretchen, Madge, Maggie, Margaret, Margarita, Margot, Marguerite, Marjorie, Meagan, Meg, Megan, Meghan, Peggy, Rita
Norway	July	27	Marita, Rita
Latvia	November	28	Lukrecija, Olita, Rita, Vita

Name days: Similar names (Rita)

Here you’ll find name days for names that are similar in spelling, pronunciation, or origin. Many cultures group related names together, even if they are not identical. If your name has a close variation, you may find relevant name day dates in this section.

Country	Month	Day	Name days
Greece	January	25	Gregory, Grigorios, Margarita
Latvia	February	1	Andra, Brigita, Brita, Gita, Indra
USA	February	1	Birgit, Birgitta, Bret, Brett, Bridget, Bridgette, Brigitte, Brita, Britney, Britt, Brittani, Brittany, Brittney, Brytanni, Clark, Clarke, Langdon, Langston
USA	February	11	Adolfo, Adolph, Adolpha, Alva, Alvarita, Alvaro, Lourdes
Lithuania	February	22	Darvydas, Elvinas, Gintaute, Margarita
Spain	February	22	Leonor, Margarita
Italy	February	23	Margherita da Cortona
Latvia	March	25	Mara, Marina, Marita, Marite
Lithuania	April	10	Agna, Apolonijus, Margarita, Mintautas
Bulgaria	April	12	Dilyan, Dilyana, Girgin, Girgina, Latinka, Lilyana, Margarita, Nevena, Rosen, Rosica, Roza, Stanislav, Stanislava, Trendafil, Trendafilka, Tseno, Tsveta, Tsvetan, Tsvetanka, Tsviatko, Varban, Vencislav, Vencislava, Violeta, Zdravka, Zdravko
Sweden	May	7	Carina, Carita
Latvia	May	10	Maija, Mairita
Latvia	May	15	Arita, Saulnesis, Sofija, Taiga
Italy	May	22	Rita da Cascia
Latvia	June	1	Astrids, Biruta, Junite, Mairita
Lithuania	June	10	Galindas, Margarita, Vingaile, Zybartas
Latvia	July	3	Benita, Bonita, Everita, Sulamite
Estonia	July	13	Greta, Grete, Kreet, Kreeta, Mare, Maret, Mareta, Margareeta, Marge, Margit, Marit, Marita, Meeta, Reeda, Reet
Latvia	July	13	Alda, Margarita, Margrieta, Mariska, Perle
Finland	July	19	Saara, Salla, Salli, Sara, Sari, Sarita
Norway	July	23	Brit, Brita, Britt
Russia	July	30	Margarita, Marina
Finland	August	15	Jaana, Jatta, Marianna, Marianne, Marita, Maritta, Marja, Marjaana, Marjatta, Marjo, Marju, Marjukka, Marjut
Latvia	September	24	Agris, Agrita, Knuts
Ukraine	October	5	Charita
Finland	October	7	Birgitta, Pipsa, Pirita, Piritta, Pirjo, Pirkko
Lithuania	October	16	Ambraziejus, Dovalde, Gutautas, Jadvyga, Margarita
Spain	October	16	Margarita, María Alacoque
Sweden	October	22	Marika, Marita
Latvia	October	27	Irita, Lilita, Lita
Italy	November	16	Margherita di Scozia
Spain	November	16	Edmundo, Margarita

Rita A Summary of Name Details

In conclusion, Rita is a historically significant feminine name recognized for its concise form and strong identity. Its popularity surged globally in the mid-20th century and persists strongly across Southern Europe, establishing its place in world naming history. Originating as a diminutive of Margherita, it carries the classical meaning of “pearl,” reflecting its established heritage. The name conveys a mood of vintage resilience, being universally classified as exclusively female. Rita is widely celebrated, featuring on various name day calendars globally, emphasizing its broad cultural acceptance.

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