Holding steady.
Popularity of Detta since 1914
Babies named Detta per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 10 |
| 1920s | 25 |
| 1930s | 31 |
| 1940s | 13 |
| 1950s | 42 |
| 1960s | 53 |
| 1970s | 29 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Detta is a rare feminine name that saw its highest usage in the 1930s, peaking in 1930. Though it has never ranked in the top 1000, its first recorded use in 1914 places it among the early 20th-century American names. The name has maintained a stable trajectory, appearing sporadically in the Social Security data without significant resurgence. It did not appear in any single state's top rankings, reflecting its limited geographic spread. The name likely originated as a diminutive or variant of other names, such as Odette or Etta, but its exact etymology remains uncertain. Its simplicity and vintage feel might appeal to parents seeking an uncommon, short name.
The name Detta may have multiple origins. It could be a diminutive of Odette (from Oda, meaning 'wealth' or 'fortune') or a short form of names beginning with 'Det-', like Detlef (from Old Norse 'the people'). Alternatively, it may have arisen independently as a feminine given name in the early 20th century. Its peak usage in the 1930s suggests it was fashionable during that era, possibly influenced by similar-sounding names or characters.
Sibling names for Detta
Names that share Detta's style, for a brother or sister.
