Rett
bear strength. — Associated with Rett Syndrome
American origin · Boy name
97% boys3% girls
#11937US 2023
6Births / yr
Rising
121All-time births
📅 Since 195800

What does Rett mean and where does it come from?

Rett is often used as a short form of the name Barrett or a variant of Rhett. The name Barrett has Old German origins, meaning 'bear strength.' Rett is a name that has gained some popularity in recent years, particularly in the United States. It's also associated with Rett Syndrome, a neurodevelopme

Cultural significance
Rett has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of english.
Peak popularity
Reached #3554 in 1958 — currently #11937 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
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What middle names flow best with Rett?

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

Rett Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Rett Rose
Floral · soft ending
Rett Mae
Sweet · timeless
Rett Claire
French influence · crisp
Rett Jane
Literary · strong
Rett Skye
Modern · airy feel
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Middle Names
The best middle names for Rett
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How popular is Rett right now?

Rising fast — up 1944 spots — currently #11937 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 19802023#11937 · Top 8.8%
1980
1990
2000
2015
2020
2021
2022
2023
YearUS RankBirthsvs Prior Year
2023#119376▲ up 1944 · +20% births
2022#138815▼ down 227
2021#136545▼ down 4008 · -29% births
2020#96467▲ up 105
2015#97517▲ up 915 · +40% births
2000#106665▼ down 2136
1990#85305▼ down 2673 · -17% births
1980#58576

The story of Rett

Rett entered American naming records in 1958 and has been in use for over 66 years. With 121 total births recorded, Rett remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #5857 in 1980, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #11937 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Rett in 1958:

Rett by decade

DecadeBirths
1950s7
1960s12
1970s12
1980s18
1990s5
2000s22
2010s38
2020s7
💎Rett has only 121 total recorded births since 1958 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Rett?

Common
Re

Common questions about the name Rett

What does the name Rett mean?
Rett means "English" — 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 Rett?
Rett is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy 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 Rett?
Rett 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 does Rett sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Rett flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Rett ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.
Is Rett a common or rare name?
Rett is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.