Meta

Meta is a Germanic name that originated as a Low German and Scandinavian short form of Margaret, itself derived from the Greek Margaritēs meaning pearl, which in turn traces back to a Persian or Sanskrit source referring to the same gem. The name became especially popular in German-speaking and Nordic countries during the nineteenth century as an independent given name rather than merely a nickname. It also overlaps with the Greek prefix meta, meaning beyond or after, though this is generally considered a coincidence rather than an etymological source for the personal name. Related forms include Margareta, Greta, and Margarethe.