Declining since 1985, #14,942 for girls today.
Popularity of Aleta since 1892
Babies named Aleta per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 41 |
| 1900s | 68 |
| 1910s | 281 |
| 1920s | 407 |
| 1930s | 357 |
| 1940s | 1,116 |
| 1950s | 1,492 |
| 1960s | 1,163 |
| 1970s | 605 |
| 1980s | 407 |
| 1990s | 212 |
| 2000s | 123 |
| 2010s | 117 |
| 2020s | 57 |
Meaning & origin
Aleta first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1892, but it saw its most notable use in the mid-20th century, peaking in rank in 1947. Since 1985, its popularity has steadily declined, reflecting a trajectory that places it among names that feel distinctly of an earlier era. At its peak, it remained relatively uncommon, and in 2025 it is given to only about 1 in every 321,453 girls. The name's origins are ambiguous; it may be a creative spelling of Alida or a borrowing from Spanish and Italian diminutive forms. It has not been associated with any particular state or region in recent data. Aleta carries a soft, melodic sound that fits with other mid-century names that are now seldom used, giving it a vintage charm.
Aleta likely originated as a 20th-century American invention, possibly influenced by names like Alida (from Latin alitus, 'nourished' or Greek aletheia, 'truth') or as a feminine diminutive of Roberto/Alberto in Spanish and Italian. It gained modest use in the United States from the 1920s through the 1940s, peaking in 1947, but has since declined. Its exact derivation remains unclear and may vary by family.
Where Aleta is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lee, Leta, Ali
Sibling names for Aleta
Names that share Aleta's style, for a brother or sister.
