What does Laretha mean and where does it come from?
Laretha is a 20th-century creation that seems to blend elements from other names. Its closest connections might be to names like Laree and Aretha, creating a sense of melody and uniqueness. The name is primarily used in the United States, appearing mainly within African American communities, likely
Cultural significance
Laretha has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of possibly a derivative of the name laree or a combination of lauren and aretha.
Peak popularity
Reached #3658 in 1951 — currently #1503 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Laretha?
Laretha works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Laretha Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Laretha Rose
Floral · soft ending
Laretha Mae
Sweet · timeless
Laretha Claire
French influence · crisp
Laretha Jane
Literary · strong
Laretha Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Laretha right now?
Holding steady — currently #1503 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1503 | 697 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2022 | #1508 | 677 | ▲ up 5 · +5% births |
| 2021 | #1513 | 647 | ▲ up 9497 · +12840% births |
| 1985 | #11010 | 5 | ▼ down 4339 · -37% births |
| 1975 | #6671 | 8 | ▼ down 1102 · -11% births |
| 1970 | #5569 | 9 | ▼ down 529 · +13% births |
| 1965 | #5040 | 8 | ▲ up 1283 · +60% births |
| 1955 | #6323 | 5 | ▼ down 1910 · -17% births |
| 1945 | #4413 | 6 | — |
The story of Laretha
Laretha entered American naming records in 1937 and has been in use for over 87 years. With 227 total births recorded, Laretha remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4413 in 1945 to #1503 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Laretha in 1951:
Laretha by decade
Laretha peaked in the 1950s. See all 1950s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1930s | 6 | |
| 1940s | 6 | |
| 1950s | 52 | |
| 1960s | 48 | |
| 1970s ★ | 79 | |
| 1980s | 29 | |
| 1990s | 7 | |
💎Laretha has only 227 total recorded births since 1937 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Laretha?
What names sound and feel like Laretha?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Laretha also consider these
Common questions about the name Laretha
What does the name Laretha mean?
Laretha means "possibly a derivative of the name Laree or a combination of Lauren and Aretha" — 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 Laretha?
Laretha 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 Laretha?
Laretha 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 Laretha?
Laretha is a three-syllable name pronounced L AA1 R EH1 T HH AA1. 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 Laretha?
Laretha 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.