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Not a fan at all, especially pronounced the English/American way, the German is slightly better but still, not my kind of thing. It's really old-fashioned and, for some reason, makes me think of someone who is always very cheerful but in a fickle way. Not that I know anyone with this name. I think I even prefer Greta slightly, although it's also very far from my favourite.

I like it! It reminds me of Gingerbread Houses. This traditionally German name of Gretchen has a lot of history, and I think it should be used more!

I’m pretty neutral on it, but it always makes me think of this story,

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When my cousin was a little kid, he asked his neighbor what their baby was named. He went back in the house to tell his parents that the baby was named “wretched”. Turns out it was Gretchen.

I love it.

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This is my alternate universe name. I love it, I think it rocks, best name ever.

It’s a nickname, not a stand alone name.

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It comes across as very juvenile to me. Cutesy cute. Like it doesn’t belong on someone older than 5.

It's an okay name, but not one of my favorites.

I don’t like it at all (no offense)

I actually like it! Though I don't know that I'd use it on my own child, as you can see how the reactions are. I'd love to see it on a character, however.

I like it.

Wretched & retching

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That's what I think of, unfortunately. Gretel is much better.

Gretchen is cute in an old-fashioned, slightly awkward way. It gives off a sweeter and more approachable atmosphere than the clunkers Gertrude and Helga, but it has a similar alps and strudel vibe. Gretchen sounds like she would be friends with Little Red Riding Hood.

Gertrude gives me the same vibes while sounding cuter, imo

I'm OK with it: I have some knowledge of German and I knew a Gretchen at school who was very pleasant and a good hockey goalkeeper, so my associations are positive. I imagine that in an environment where little or no German is spoken, Gretchen would look unfamiliar. Perhaps then Gretel might be a better choice; I like them about equally.

I think it's beautiful. Soft and retro.

Charmingly ugly.

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Looking at my name tastes I shouldn't like this name, but I do. I doubt I'd ever use it myself, but it has a similar appeal to Rachel / Rachael.

I don't mind it at all. I don't know that I'd use it myself. But I can think of way worse names. I'm surprised at such intense dislike from others.

I Hate It.

its ok, I prefer Greta

I don't mind it. I prefer the (possibly even worse) Gretel, but Gretchen is kinda fun in a woodsy-witchy way for me.

I don’t dislike it as intensely as other people here seem to, but it’s just meh, and very nicknamey.

I actually have a soft spot for Gretchen and my reasoning is twofold: Firstly because my favorite childhood cartoon had a main character named Gretchen, in Recess, thus I have a positive association. Secondly, I'm of mostly German Heritage in my background so some of the harsher German names that some people have an aversion to I am more accustomed due to either having living or deceased family with it. With that said, within the confines of Germany I have heard through the grapevine that it is mostly used as a nickname for Margaret or Margaretha and not necessarily as a standalone legal name, more a childhood nickname... though honestly if one doesn't live in Germany I don't see that as an issue necessarily...

This message was edited 3/23/2021, 4:31 AM

I don’t mind it. My first thought is a character in a cartoon I used to watch called Recess.

I dislike it immensely.

Can't actually think of a worse name