Loretta is a feminine given name of Italian origin. It is derived from the Latin word "Laurita", which means "laurel". The laurel plant was considered sacred to the Roman god Apollo, and it was customary for victors in ancient Rome to be crowned with laurel wreaths as a symbol of their triumph.
The name Loretta became popular in English-speaking countries during the 19th century. It was often used as a diminutive form of the name Laura, which shares the same Latin root meaning "laurel". Today, Loretta is still considered a classic and elegant name, though it may not be as commonly used as it once was.
There are several notable figures throughout history who have borne the name Loretta. One example is Loretta Lynn, an American country music singer-songwriter who achieved significant success during the 1960s and 1970s. Another well-known figure is Loretta Swit, an American actress best known for her role as Major Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan on the television series M*A*S*H.
In literature, the name Loretta has appeared in works such as Nathaniel Hawthorne's short story "The Birthmark", where it is given to a character named Aylmer's wife. Additionally, there are several songs that feature the name Loretta, including "Loreta" by Irish rock band The Cranberries and "Loretta" by American indie rock band Sonic Youth.
Overall, Loretta is a timeless and sophisticated name with a rich history and cultural significance. Its meaning and origin make it an appealing choice for parents looking for a name that is distinctive yet elegant.
Between the years of 1893 and 2000, the name Lorretta was given to a total of 2,708 newborn girls in the United States. The popularity of this name varied significantly over time, with peaks and valleys in its usage.
In the early years recorded (1893-1916), Lorretta's popularity was relatively low, with fewer than 35 births per year. However, between 1914 and 1920, there was a notable increase, reaching a peak of 40 births in 1925.
The late 1920s and early 1930s saw another surge in popularity for Lorretta, with the number of annual births exceeding 30 each year from 1927 to 1938. The name reached its zenith during this period, with a high of 50 births recorded in 1939.
After World War II, Loretta's popularity began to wane, dropping below 40 births per year after 1947. This downward trend continued throughout the 1950s and 1960s, with the number of annual births hovering between 30 and 60.
The late 1960s marked a significant decline in Loretta's popularity, with fewer than 20 births recorded each year from 1970 onwards. This downward trend continued throughout the rest of the century, with only sporadic instances of more than 15 births per year after 1983.
The most recent data available (from 1993 to 2000) shows that Lorretta's popularity remained low, with fewer than 10 births recorded each year. Despite this decline in usage, Loretta remains a name with a rich history and a significant number of bearers throughout the United States.