Loretta is a feminine given name of Italian origin. It is derived from the Latin word "Laurentius," which means "from Laurentum" or "from the laurel trees." The name was originally used for males, but it has since become more commonly associated with females.
The name Loretta has been popular throughout history and has been borne by several notable figures. One of the most famous Lorettas is Loretta Lynn, an American country music singer-songwriter who became highly successful in the 1960s and 1970s. Another notable Loretta 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.
The name Loretta has also been used in literature and popular culture. In Shakespeare's play "Much Ado About Nothing," the character of Leonato has a niece named Loretto. Additionally, there is a song called "Loreta" by the Italian singer-songwriter Franco Battiato.
Overall, Loretta is a name with a rich history and many notable associations. While its origins are in Latin, it has become closely associated with Italian culture and has been popularized by figures from both Italy and other countries around the world.
The name Loretta has seen a varied trend in popularity over the years in the United States. Between 1911 and 1981, there were a total of 502 babies named Loretta born each year.
The peak years for the name appeared to be between 1933 and 1938, with the highest number of births being 21 in 1933. This is quite significant as it indicates that during this time period, Loretta was a very popular choice among parents.
However, after the late 1960s, the popularity of the name began to decline significantly. From 1970 onwards, there were only five births each year named Loretta until 1981, indicating that the name had fallen out of fashion by this time.
Despite its ups and downs in popularity over the years, it is clear that the name Loretta has a notable history in the United States. It may not be as commonly used today as it once was, but it remains an enduring classic that has been given to hundreds of baby girls over the decades.