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.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →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
Most popular combo · classic
Laretta Rose
Floral · soft ending
Laretta Mae
Sweet · timeless
Laretta Claire
French influence · crisp
Laretta Jane
Literary · strong
Laretta Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Laretta right now?
Holding steady — currently #1794 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| 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 | — |
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:
Laretta by decade
| 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?
What names sound and feel like Laretta?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Laretta also consider these
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.