Loretta
Girl name · 18 babies recorded · 1974–2025
Loretta: 18 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 5 births in 1978.
Loretta is an Italian diminutive of Laura, ultimately from the Latin *laurus* meaning "laurel" – a symbol of victory and honour. The name is also forever tied to the Marian shrine of Loreto in Italy, where tradition holds the Holy House of Nazareth was miraculously transported. Perhaps its most famous bearers were two American icons: the luminous film star Loretta Young and the incomparable country singer-songwriter Loretta Lynn, whose rags-to-riches story inspired the biopic *Coal Miner's Daughter*. The name's melodic sound and saintly associations have given it a gentle, enduring charm, and it remains a classic choice that feels both vintage and warmly familiar. Variants include the Spanish Loreta and the French Laurette.
Girl 5 of 52 years
- Peak year
- 19785 babies
- Latest (2025)
- #6324 babies
- Total births
- 18since 1978
- 5-year trend
- ≈ stablevs prior 5y