Holding steady.
Popularity of Lotta since 1880
Babies named Lotta per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 178 |
| 1890s | 81 |
| 1900s | 57 |
| 1910s | 67 |
| 1920s | 56 |
| 1930s | 23 |
| 1940s | 10 |
| 1950s | 14 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 8 |
| 2010s | 5 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Lotta is a concise, melodic name with Scandinavian roots. Recorded in the U.S. as early as 1880, it saw its greatest usage in the 1880s, peaking in 1883, but has since become uncommon, with a stable trajectory and no recent revival. Its top states of use historically were concentrated in the Midwest, reflecting Swedish immigration patterns. While often associated with the beloved Swedish children's book character Pippi Longstocking's friend Lotta (from Astrid Lindgren's stories), the name has maintained a quiet presence outside of literary fame. Parents drawn to Lotta may appreciate its simplicity and Nordic charm, though its rarity means it carries a distinctive feel in modern American naming.
Lotta is a short form of Charlotta, the Scandinavian and German feminine form of Charles, which derives from the Germanic element *karlaz meaning 'free man'. It gained independent use in Sweden and Germany by the 19th century and was popularized in English-speaking countries through Swedish immigrants and cultural exports.
Sibling names for Lotta
Names that share Lotta's style, for a brother or sister.
