MallowbyNames

Loretha

luh-REE-thuh · A variant of Loretta, typically interpreted as a diminutive of Laura, meaning 'laurel' or 'victory'.

Peak popularity
1935
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Loretha since 1910

Babies named Loretha per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1954, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Loretha's real moment was 1935.

153045192019602000Most births 1954Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1910s81
1920s201
1930s282
1940s304
1950s380
1960s331
1970s137
1980s55
1990s21
2000s0
2010s0
2020s0

Meaning & origin

Loretha is a name that saw its highest usage in the 1930s, peaking in 1935. Though it has not appeared in recent rankings, it remains a distinctive choice for parents seeking a vintage feel. The trajectory of Loretha's popularity is classified as stable, suggesting it has maintained a consistent, albeit low, level of use over time. Its top states from the early 20th century include regions where names like Loretta were common, though specific state data is not available. Despite its decline, Loretha carries a classic sound rooted in the laurel symbolism of victory.

Loretha is a feminine given name that emerged as a variant of Loretta, itself a diminutive of Laura. Laura derives from the Latin laurus, meaning 'laurel,' a symbol of victory and honor. The name gained modest popularity in the early 20th century, particularly in the United States, with its peak usage in the 1930s.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Lori, Retha, Lorrie

Variants: Loretta, Lorita, Lorretta

Sibling names for Loretha

Names that share Loretha's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

L is for Loretha, our favorite little girl.

L is for Loretha…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Loretha's letter becomes Loretha's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Loretha's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Loretha mean?
Loretha is a variant of Loretta, which is a diminutive of Laura, meaning 'laurel' or 'victory' in Latin.
How popular is the name Loretha currently?
Loretha has not been in the top 1000 names in recent years. Its peak popularity was in 1935, and it has seen very limited usage since.
Is Loretha a boy or girl name?
Loretha is almost exclusively given to girls.