Odetta is a unique and distinctive given name of African American origin. It is derived from the French name Odette, which means "wealthy" or "prosperous". However, unlike its French counterpart, Odetta does not have a direct association with the historical figure Odette de Champdivers.
The name Odetta gained popularity in the mid-20th century, largely due to the renowned American blues singer and folk musician, Odetta Holmes. Born on December 31, 1930, Odetta Holmes was known for her powerful voice and her influence on numerous musicians, including Bob Dylan. She was often referred to as "The Voice of Civil Rights" during the Civil Rights Movement in the United States.
Odetta is not a common name today, but it continues to be recognized among music enthusiasts and those interested in African American history. It remains an unusual yet meaningful choice for parents looking for a distinctive name with a rich historical significance.
The statistics presented show the number of births given the name Odetta in the United States from 1900 to 2022. The data demonstrates a varied trend over time, with peaks and troughs in popularity.
In the early years, from 1900 to 1934, the name Odetta saw fluctuations between 5 and 19 births per year, with some spikes during World War I. Between 1935 and 1962, the popularity of the name decreased significantly, with less than 10 births per year on average.
The name experienced a brief resurgence in the late 1960s to early 1970s, with around 10-16 births per year between 1963 and 1974. However, after 1974, the popularity of Odetta declined further, with less than 10 births per year until 2022.
In total, from 1900 to 2022, there were 623 births in the United States given the name Odetta. These statistics provide insight into how the popularity of this particular name has evolved over time within the country.