Holding steady.
Popularity of Claretta since 1902
Babies named Claretta per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1943, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Claretta's real moment was 1906.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1900s | 25 |
| 1910s | 89 |
| 1920s | 163 |
| 1930s | 172 |
| 1940s | 202 |
| 1950s | 157 |
| 1960s | 85 |
| 1970s | 26 |
| 1980s | 5 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Claretta is a name that saw its highest usage in 1906, when it was given to a modest number of baby girls in the United States. Since then, it has maintained a stable but very low profile, with no significant revival in recent decades. The name is an elaborate feminine form of Clara, drawing on the Latin root for 'bright' or 'clear', and was part of a trend for intricate, melodic names at the turn of the 20th century. While it never entered the top 1000 rankings, its peak year suggests it had a brief moment of favor, likely among families seeking a distinct yet familiar-sounding name. Today, it is a rare choice, offering a vintage feel with a touch of elegance.
Claretta is a elaborated feminine form of Clara, which derives from the Latin 'clarus' meaning 'bright, clear, famous'. The name Clara was popularized by saints and medieval royalty, and Claretta emerged in the late 19th century as a more ornate variant, particularly in English-speaking countries. Its usage peaked in the early 1900s.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Clara, Rett, Etta, Clare
Variants: Clareta, Clarretta
Sibling names for Claretta
Names that share Claretta's style, for a brother or sister.
