Rita Name Meaning & Origin
Rita
Origin of the name Rita:
A short form of the Spanish Margarita (pear) or the Italian Margherita (pearl), Rita is commonly bestowed as an independent given name.
From A World of Baby Names by Teresa Norman.
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US Popularity of Rita Over Time

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- Comments and insights on the name Rita
I think Rita is a very pretty name. I wouldn't mind being named Rita myself!
- Personal experiences with the name Rita
My mother's favorite auntie was named Rita.
In the Funky Winkerbean comic there was a teacher named Rita Wrighten
- Nicknames for Rita
wita
Ree- Ree
Tah-Tah
Why does Rita have to have a nickname? It's short and pretty as it is. Besides, Rita is actually a nickname - for Margarita!Speaking of Margarita - treat your mom to a Margarita on Mother's Day. After all, YOU'RE the reason she drinks!
- Meanings and history of the name Rita
- Famous real-life people named Rita
Rita Coolidge, singer
Rita Cosby, journalist
Rita Dove, an American poet
Rita Hayworth, actress
Rita Mae Brown, author
Rita Marley, singer, widow of Bob Marley
Rita Moreno, actress and singer
Rita Tushingham, actress
TUSHINGHAM? You've gotta be kidding!
Rita Wilson, actress and producer
Rita Levi-Montalcini, Italian neurologist and winner of the 1986 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.
Rita Ora, singer- Rita in song, story & screen
"Lovely Rita" song by the Beatles
Rita Skeeter - Daily Prophet reporter in the Harry Potter series.
"Educating Rita" - Movie and Stage Play
"Following Rita" - Song by Train
Rita Escobar, character from 1999 film Wild Wild West, portrayed by Salma Hayek
Rita and Runt, segment of variety cartoon "Animaniacs"