Claretha is a unique and captivating name of Latin origin, derived from the word 'clarus', meaning 'clear' or 'bright'. It is an elegant variation of Clara, which itself is a derivative of Clarissa. Claretha was once quite popular in the United States during the mid-20th century but has since become less common, making it a charming and distinctive choice for those seeking an uncommon name with a rich history. In its heyday, Claretha was often associated with warmth, charm, and a certain intellectual sparkle, reflecting its bright origins. Today, it is still occasionally used, but more frequently appears in historical records or as a family name passed down through generations.
The name Claretha experienced a wave of popularity in the early to mid-20th century, peaking between 1930 and 1952 with over 20 births per year each year except for 1946 and 1957. However, this popularity was not sustained, with fewer than 20 births per year every year from 1953 onwards, apart from a few spikes in the early 1960s and late 1980s. Overall, Claretha was given to 1109 children over these years.