Holding steady.
Popularity of Lorretta since 1893
Babies named Lorretta per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1957, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Lorretta's real moment was 1939.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 5 |
| 1900s | 32 |
| 1910s | 175 |
| 1920s | 328 |
| 1930s | 391 |
| 1940s | 411 |
| 1950s | 479 |
| 1960s | 484 |
| 1970s | 271 |
| 1980s | 98 |
| 1990s | 29 |
| 2000s | 5 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Lorretta is a variant spelling of Loretta, a name that saw its greatest popularity in the United States during the 1930s. According to Social Security data, Lorretta first appeared in recorded use in 1893, with its peak year coming in 1939. While the name has never been among the top ranks, it has maintained a stable but low level of usage into the 2020s. The name is a feminine diminutive of Laura, rooted in the Latin word for laurel, and was historically associated with the shrine of Loreto in Italy, adding a layer of religious heritage. Despite its rarity today, Lorretta retains a vintage charm that appeals to parents seeking a distinctive alternative to more common Loretta spellings.
Lorretta is a variation of the name Loretta, which itself is an Italian diminutive of Laura. Laura derives from the Latin 'laurus', meaning 'laurel,' a symbol of victory and honor in ancient Rome. The name Loretta was popularized by the medieval Marian shrine of Loreto in Italy, and its variant Lorretta emerged in English-speaking countries as a phonetic spelling.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lori, Rett, Lora
Sibling names for Lorretta
Names that share Lorretta's style, for a brother or sister.
