Arletta

Meaning & origin

Arletta is a rare feminine name that first appeared in U.S. records in 1883, during a period when elaborate feminine diminutives were fashionable. It reached its highest popularity in 1933, ranking among the top names of that era, though with a modest number of births. After declining for decades, the name has been slowly rising in use since 2018, reflecting broader revival interest in early-20th-century names. With only about 1 in 178,585 newborn girls receiving the name in 2025, Arletta remains an uncommon choice, appealing to parents seeking a distinctive yet historically grounded name. Its association with similar names like Arlette and the 'little eagle' meaning adds to its charm, but its true etymology remains uncertain.

Arletta is likely a modern English coinage, possibly a diminutive form of names like Arla or Marlene, or a variant of the French name Arlette. It first appeared in the United States in the late 19th century and saw modest use in the early 20th century. Its meaning is often associated with 'little eagle' by analogy with similar-sounding names, though this derivation is not historically attested.