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Loretta

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Loretta

Updated: by Sarah Nance

When you hear the name, Loretta, you likely immediately think of country music star Loretta Lynn. Despite this modern association, Loretta has a rich Italian history that dates back to ancient Rome. As of 2020, Loretta is a top 1,000 baby name for girls. Want to know more about this classic name? Read on!

Meaning and Origin of the name Loretta:

Loretta is likely a spelling variation of Lauretta. Lauretta began as a nickname for Laura in Italy, which comes from the Latin name Laurus. Laurus originated because of the laurel trees in ancient Rome. Some individuals think Loretta is the feminine form of Loreto, a name that originates from the town of Laurentum. Finally, others say that Loretta is an elaboration of Lora, an alternative to Laura. In Italian, the name Loretta means “laurel” or “laurel grove.”

Symbolism of the name Loretta:

Loretta has two meanings, but both have to do with the laurel tree. Loretta could be the feminine form of Loreto, which comes from the town of Laurentum. Laurentum translates to “laurel grove.” Loretta could also be a version of Lauretta and Laura, which comes from the ancient Latin name Laurus. Laurus translates directly to “laurel.”

Nicknames for the name Loretta:

  • Lore
  • Lori
  • Lora
  • Etta 
  • Ettie
  • Lettie
  • Lolo
  • Ett
  • Lora
  • Lorett

Style of the name Loretta:

Traditional

Gender of the name Loretta:

Loretta is an international-sounding name for girls.

Pronunciation of the name Loretta:

luh-REHT-uh or lo-REHT-ta

Number of syllables in the name Loretta:

Three

Emotion evoked from the name Loretta:

Loretta feels international and vintage. It is a cheerful and upbeat option.

Alternative spellings for the name Loretta:

  • Loreta
  • Lauretta
  • Laureta

Popularity of the name Loretta:

Loretta was a top 1,000 baby name on the Social Security Popularity Index until 1990 when it was number 920. Loretta came back to the top 1,000 list in 2020 at a rank of 948. This option was a top 100 baby name from 1931 to 1944, ranking highest in 1938 at number 62.

Great middle names for Loretta and their meanings:

  • Grace (God's grace)
  • June (young, born in June)
  • Faith (to trust, complete trust, devotion)
  • Rowan (red-haired)
  • Louise (famous warrior)
  • Maisie (pearl, bitter)
  • Jane (God is gracious)
  • Alice (noble, light)

Famous people with the name Loretta:

  • Loretta Young (actress, “The Farmer's Daughter”)
  • Loretta Lynn (country music singer)
  • Loretta Devine (actress, “Family Reunion”)
  • Loretta Swit (actress, “M*A*S*H*”)
  • Loretta Lynch (former attorney general)
  • Loretta Long (actress, “Sesame Street”)
  • Loretta Chase (romance novelist)
  • Loretta Sanchez (Congresswoman from California)
  • Loretta Brown (character from “Family Guy”)
  • Loretta Tortelli (character from “Cheers”)
  • Loretta Cancun (character from “Veronica Mars”)
  • Loretta Black (character from “Curb Your Enthusiasm”)
  • Loretta Castorini (character from “Moonstruck”)
  • Loretta Wade (character from “NCIS: New Orleans”)
  • Loretta Callisto (character from “Miles from Tomorrowland”)
  • Loretta Stinson (character from “How I Met Your Mother”)

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Bluemoon 1981/Shutterstock.com.

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