Loretta
How to say it: lor-ET-uh · /lɔˈrɛtə/
Italian diminutive of Laura, from Latin laurus ('laurel'). Also linked to the Marian shrine of Loreto.
Loretta was the 579th most popular girls’ name in the United States in 2025, given to 485 babies (Social Security Administration). Its busiest decade was the 1930s, its births are up 2.2-fold in ten years, and it is projected to rise to #389 by 2030.
Updated · SSA 2025 data, published May 2026 · How we compute these figures
Key facts
| Rank among girls’ names, 2025 | #579 |
|---|---|
| Babies born in 2025 | 485 |
| Share of births | 1 in 6,684 |
| Peak decade | 1930s |
| Change over 10 years | ×2.2 |
| Projected rank for 2030 (estimate) | #389 |
Sources: Social Security Administration (SSA). How we compute these figures.
Its life, decade by decade
Well remembered from its height in the 1930s, Loretta continues in steady but reduced use. Far below its former high, it is expected to edge upward.
What goes with it
Mellow with a soft roll touched by crispness. Lucille shares its vintage charm, and Retta offers a shorter call.
Parents who love Loretta also love
Nicknames
- Lori
- Retta
- Lore
- Lo
Other spellings
Honouring a Loretta in the family
In the classroom
In a class of 25 children born in 2025, the chance that another child is called Loretta is about under 1 in 200.
Around the world
This spelling is used in English, Italian.
Famous people named Loretta
- Loretta Young (1913–2000)American actress
- Loretta Lynn (1932–2022)American country singer
- Loretta Lynch (born 1959)American attorney
From Wikidata and Wikipedia
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