A 1930s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Maritta since 1934
Babies named Maritta per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2020, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Maritta's real moment was 1938.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1930s | 19 |
| 1940s | 14 |
| 1950s | 22 |
| 1960s | 23 |
| 1970s | 13 |
| 1980s | 5 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 5 |
| 2020s | 25 |
Meaning & origin
Maritta is a rare and charming diminutive of Maria that saw its peak usage in the late 1930s. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1934, coinciding with a period when many European-origin names were being adopted by immigrant families. The name reached its highest rank of 14,942 in 1938, with a typical baby girl having a 1 in 321,453 chance of being named Maritta that year. After a long decline, Maritta has been rising in popularity since 2017, possibly due to revived interest in vintage and diminutive names. While no top states are recorded for this name, its Germanic roots suggest a cultural connection to communities of German descent. Modern parents may find Maritta appealing as a distinctive yet classic-sounding choice that pairs well with other old-world names.
Maritta is a diminutive form of Maria, which itself derives from the Hebrew name Miryam. The name's meaning is debated, but popular interpretations include 'beloved' and 'wished-for child'. Maritta emerged as a variant in various European languages, particularly in German-speaking regions, and saw modest use in the United States during the early 20th century.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Rita, Mari, Ritti
Sibling names for Maritta
Names that share Maritta's style, for a brother or sister.
