Lareta

cheerful or light-hearted
USA origin · Girl name
3% boys97% girls
#1589US 2023
611Births / yr
Stable
102All-time births
📅 Since 191900
How to pronounce Lareta
LERT·AH
/ˈlɛrt.ˈɑ/ · stress on LERT · 2 syllables
cheerful or light-hearted
USA origin · Girl name

What does Lareta mean and where does it come from?

Lareta is a contemporary feminine name predominantly used in the United States. It is potentially derived from names like Loretta or Larissa, combining elements that imply cheerfulness and light-heartedness. While not strictly tied to historical figures, Lareta is part of an ongoing trend toward uni

Cultural significance
Lareta has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in USA-speaking communities, where it reflects values of cheerful or light-hearted.
Peak popularity
Reached #2903 in 1935 — currently #1589 in the US.
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Related Reading
USA-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →

What middle names flow best with Lareta?

Lareta works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Lareta Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Lareta Rose
Floral · soft ending
Lareta Mae
Sweet · timeless
Lareta Claire
French influence · crisp
Lareta Jane
Literary · strong
Lareta Skye
Modern · airy feel
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Middle Names
The best middle names for Lareta
Browse ideas →

How popular is Lareta right now?

Holding steady — currently #1589 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 19302023#1589 · Top 1.2%
1930
1935
1940
2021
2022
2023
YearUS RankBirthsvs Prior Year
2023#1589611▲ up 5 · +3% births
2022#1594591▲ up 5 · +5% births
2021#1599561▲ up 2577 · +9250% births
1940#41766▼ down 1273 · -40% births
1935#290310▲ up 1535 · +67% births
1930#44386

The story of Lareta

Lareta entered American naming records in 1919 and has been in use for over 105 years. With 102 total births recorded, Lareta remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4438 in 1930 to #1589 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Lareta in 1935:

Lareta by decade

Lareta peaked in the 1930s. See all 1930s names →

DecadeBirths
1910s5
1920s18
1930s40
1940s33
1950s6
💎Lareta has only 102 total recorded births since 1919 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Lareta?

Common
LarLarieLaryEta

Common questions about the name Lareta

What does the name Lareta mean?
Lareta means "cheerful or light-hearted" — a name rooted in USA 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 Lareta?
Lareta is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Lareta?
Lareta originates from USA tradition. USA 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 Lareta?
Lareta is a two-syllable name pronounced L EH1 R T AA1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Lareta a common or rare name?
Lareta is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.