Letty is a unique and captivating female given name of Latin origin. Its roots can be traced back to the Roman family name Letti, which was derived from the Latin word 'letus', meaning 'happy' or 'joyful'. This suggests that the name Letty may have been bestowed upon individuals who were considered jovial and full of gladness.
The name Letty is also believed to be a diminutive form of the Latin name Leticia, which means 'joyful' or 'happy'. This further reinforces the joyous connotation associated with this name. It is important to note that while Letty shares similar meanings and origins with other names such as Letitia and Lettie, it stands alone in its unique charm and character.
Throughout history, there have been many notable individuals who have borne the name Letty. One of the most famous was Letitia Christian Tyler, who served as the First Lady of the United States from 1841 to 1842 during her husband's presidency. Despite her brief time in the White House, she is remembered for her grace and charm.
In literature, Letty Crookshank is a character in Anthony Trollope's novel "The Way We Live Now," while Lettice Fairy, also known as the "Green Lady," is a ghostly figure from English folklore. These fictional characters have added to the richness of the name Letty, making it even more intriguing and memorable.
Today, Letty remains a rare but beloved given name. Its unique origin and joyous meaning make it an attractive choice for parents looking for a distinctive yet meaningful name for their daughter. Despite its Latin roots, Letty has been embraced by various cultures around the world, demonstrating its universal appeal.
The name Letty experienced a significant rise in popularity from the late 1800s to the early 1900s, with a notable spike occurring between 1891 and 1906. During this period, there were consistently high numbers of births, ranging from 9 to 21 per year. However, after peaking in 1906 with 15 births, the popularity of Letty began to decline sharply, reaching a low point between 1943 and 1945 with only 27 births each year.
From the mid-1950s onwards, Letty's popularity remained relatively stable but at a significantly lower level than its peak. There were occasional fluctuations in popularity, such as an increase to 63 births in 1958 and another spike to 99 births in 2014. However, overall, the name Letty has not regained its former popularity since the early 1900s.
As of 2022, with 149 recorded births, Letty remains a relatively uncommon name compared to its peak popularity over a century ago. In total, there have been 4322 births named Letty from 1880 to 2022 inclusive.