Lattie is an unusual and distinctive given name of American origin. It is believed to have been created by combining the names of two notable figures from the early 20th century: Lawrence 'Larry' Johnson, a former heavyweight boxing champion, and Jack Dempsey, another famous boxer known for his aggressive fighting style and knockouts. Thus, Lattie can be seen as an amalgamation of these two prominent athletes.
The name Lattie was popularized by the character Lattie Brown, portrayed by actor Wallace Ford in the classic 1937 film "Stagecoach" directed by John Ford. This character was a drunken but lovable gambler who played a significant role in the story. The name's association with this cinematic figure likely contributed to its inclusion in some baby naming books and databases.
Today, Lattie remains a rare find on birth certificates, appearing infrequently enough to maintain its uniqueness and individuality. It is more commonly used as a nickname or short form of other names like Lawrence or Latimer. Despite its scarcity, the name Lattie carries a certain charm and allure, perhaps due to its historical roots in American sports and cinema.
"Over the span of these years, Lattie was a popular name, with 5 or more births happening in 15 different years. However, there were significant gaps in usage too, particularly between 1920 and 1926 when it peaked at 11 births."