Loretta, derived from the Latin Laurentius meaning 'of laurel,' is an elegant and timeless feminine given name. It was particularly popular during the early to mid-20th century, especially in English-speaking countries like the United States and Britain. The name has a melodic sound, with its soft 'r' and rhythmic vowel sequence, making it pleasant to hear and pronounce. Loretta is often shortened or nicknamed as Rita, offering a more casual yet equally charming option.
The name Loretta experienced fluctuating popularity throughout the decades of the early to mid-twentieth century. Its highest points occurred around the late 1930s and early 1940s with peaks such as 21 births in 1933 and 18 births in 1938. However, there were also periods where it fell out of favor, particularly during the latter half of the century, with fewer than 5 births per year recorded from 1963 onwards, except for a brief resurgence in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Overall, Loretta was given to a total of 502 newborn girls during this period.