A 1880s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Lettie since 1880
Babies named Lettie per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2025, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Lettie's real moment was 1881.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 783 |
| 1890s | 1,019 |
| 1900s | 1,027 |
| 1910s | 1,420 |
| 1920s | 1,564 |
| 1930s | 1,039 |
| 1940s | 804 |
| 1950s | 628 |
| 1960s | 324 |
| 1970s | 173 |
| 1980s | 83 |
| 1990s | 64 |
| 2000s | 56 |
| 2010s | 730 |
| 2020s | 1,383 |
Meaning & origin
Lettie is a vintage name that enjoyed its peak in 1881, when it was most commonly recorded. After decades of decline, it has been rising again since 2000, reflecting a broader revival of 19th-century names. Today, it remains relatively rare but is found most often in states like North Dakota, Iowa, and Utah. With a 1-in-4,490 occurrence in 2025, it offers a charming yet uncommon alternative to more popular retro names. Its joyful meaning and simple, friendly sound add to its appeal.
Lettie originated as a diminutive of Letitia, from Latin laetitia meaning 'joy, gladness'. It also occasionally served as a pet form of Lettice, an English vernacular form of the same Latin name. Lettie was common in the 19th and early 20th centuries, then declined, but has seen a modest revival since the 2000s.
Where Lettie 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: Let, Ettie
Sibling names for Lettie
Names that share Lettie's style, for a brother or sister.
