What does Coretta mean and where does it come from?
Coretta is an American name that gained prominence partly due to Coretta Scott King, the wife of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. The name can be seen as a variant of Cora, derived from the Greek word for 'maiden.' Although its exact first use is difficult to pinpoint, it has been a recogn
Cultural significance
Coretta has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a diminutive form of the name 'cora', meaning 'maiden' or 'heart'..
Peak popularity
Reached #524 in 1968 — currently #12529 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Coretta?
Coretta works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Coretta Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Coretta Rose
Floral · soft ending
Coretta Mae
Sweet · timeless
Coretta Claire
French influence · crisp
Coretta Jane
Literary · strong
Coretta Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Coretta right now?
Falling — down 3948 spots — currently #12529 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2022 | #12529 | 7 | ▼ down 3948 · -42% births |
| 2021 | #8581 | 12 | ▼ down 217 |
| 2020 | #8364 | 12 | ▼ down 737 · -20% births |
| 2015 | #7627 | 15 | ▲ up 9474 · +200% births |
| 2010 | #17101 | 5 | ▼ down 2500 · -17% births |
| 2005 | #14601 | 6 | ▼ down 3774 · -25% births |
| 2000 | #10827 | 8 | ▼ down 3730 · -33% births |
| 1995 | #7097 | 12 | ▼ down 2847 · -48% births |
| 1990 | #4250 | 23 | ▼ down 1071 · -18% births |
| 1985 | #3179 | 28 | ▼ down 1338 · -53% births |
| 1980 | #1841 | 59 | ▲ up 157 · +34% births |
| 1975 | #1998 | 44 | ▼ down 1094 · -70% births |
| 1970 | #904 | 146 | ▲ up 2068 · +711% births |
| 1965 | #2972 | 18 | ▲ up 153 · +13% births |
| 1960 | #3125 | 16 | — |
The story of Coretta
Coretta entered American naming records in 1909 and has been in use for over 115 years. With 2,407 total births recorded, Coretta remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #2687 in 1910, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #12529 in 2022.
Names that peaked alongside Coretta in 1968:
Coretta by decade
Coretta peaked in the 1960s. See all 1960s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1900s | 8 | |
| 1910s | 41 | |
| 1920s | 57 | |
| 1930s | 91 | |
| 1940s | 85 | |
| 1950s | 130 | |
| 1960s | 643 | |
| 1970s ★ | 691 | |
| 1980s | 384 | |
| 1990s | 127 | |
| 2000s | 50 | |
| 2010s | 88 | |
| 2020s | 12 | |
💎With 2,407 total births, Coretta is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Coretta?
What names sound and feel like Coretta?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Coretta also consider these
How is Coretta written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Coretta
What does the name Coretta mean?
Coretta means "A diminutive form of the name 'Cora', meaning 'maiden' or 'heart'." — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Coretta?
Coretta is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Coretta?
Coretta originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Coretta?
Coretta is a three-syllable name pronounced K AO0 R EH1 T AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Coretta?
Coretta pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar American heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.