Letizia is a feminine given name of Spanish origin, derived from the Latin word "laetitia", which means joy and happiness. It was introduced into Spain through Italy during the Middle Ages. The name gained prominence in the 20th century, especially after it was chosen by Letizia Ortiz Rocasolano, the current Queen Consort of Spain, who is married to King Felipe VI. Prior to her marriage, she was a journalist and news anchor for Televisión Española. The popularity of this name has since increased in Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries.
The name Letizia has seen a significant rise in popularity since the late 20th century, with a notable peak in recent years. Between 2004 and 2023, there were over 300 births (317 to be exact), more than half of the total births recorded for this name since 1914. The most popular year for the name Letizia was 2021, with 17 births. However, it's important to note that these statistics do not account for any potential variations in spelling or naming practices across different regions or cultures.