Laretta

“laurel.”

American origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#1794US 2023

406Births / yr

→Stable

650All-time births

📅 Since 190900

How to pronounce Laretta

LAH·RET·uh

/ˈlɑ.ˈrɛt.ə/ · stress on LAH · 3 syllables

“laurel.”

American origin · Girl name

What does Laretta mean and where does it come from?

Laretta can be seen as a variant of Lorette, which has ties to the Latin word 'laurus' meaning 'laurel.' In ancient Rome and Greece, laurel wreaths were awarded to victors in various contexts, including athletics and poetry. Although not extremely common, Laretta reflects a blend of elegance and str

Cultural significance

Laretta has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of latin.

Peak popularity

Reached #1885 in 1937 — currently #1794 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Laretta?

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

Laretta Grace

How popular is Laretta right now?

Holding steady — currently #1794 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1920–2023#1794 · Top 1.3%

1935

1940

1945

1950

1955

1960

1965

1970

1975

1980

1990

2000

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1794	406	▲ up 5 · +5% births
2022	#1799	386	▲ up 5 · +8% births
2021	#1804	356	▲ up 11450 · +5833% births
2000	#13254	6	▼ down 1749
1990	#11505	6	▼ down 4630 · -33% births
1980	#6875	9	▲ up 399 · +29% births
1975	#7274	7	▼ down 69 · +17% births
1970	#7205	6	▼ down 2280 · -25% births
1965	#4925	8	▼ down 930 · -27% births
1960	#3995	11	▲ up 864 · +57% births
1955	#4859	7	▼ down 2140 · -53% births
1950	#2719	15	▼ down 427
1945	#2292	15	▲ up 1356 · +114% births
1940	#3648	7	▼ down 1266 · -46% births
1935	#2382	13	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Laretta

Best Year2023Rank #1794

Peak Count406

Average Rank#4835

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1920 - 202318 years

The story of Laretta

Laretta entered American naming records in 1909 and has been in use for over 115 years. With 650 total births recorded, Laretta remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3743 in 1920 to #1794 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Laretta in 1937:

Mary Barbara Patricia Shirley Betty

Laretta by decade

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

Decade	Births
1900s	5
1910s	28
1920s	86
1930s	114
1940s ★	130
1950s	120
1960s	84
1970s	40
1980s	26
1990s	11
2000s	6

💎Laretta has only 650 total recorded births since 1909 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Laretta?

Common

LarLarieLaryEtta

What names sound and feel like Laretta?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Laretta also consider these

Lazetta

American · A modern invented

Laketta

American · combination of La

Lanetta

American · small version of

Lavetta

American · View, vision

Lagretta

American · Joyful

Laretha

American · possibly a derivative

Daretta

American · possibly a feminine

Varetta

American · Italian

Common questions about the name Laretta

What does the name Laretta mean?

Laretta means "Latin" — 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 Laretta?

Laretta 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 Laretta?

Laretta 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 Laretta?

Laretta is a three-syllable name pronounced L AA1 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 Laretta?

Laretta 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.