Meaning, origin, history
The name Lettie is a diminutive form of the given name Letitia, which has Latin origins and means "happiness." The name Letitia was originally derived from the Latin word "laetitia," which translates to happiness or joy.
Letitia was first used as a given name in England during the 17th century. It gained popularity over time and became more widely used throughout Europe. The name Lettie, being a shortened form of Letitia, followed suit and also grew in usage as a given name for girls.
There are no notable historical figures with the name Lettie; however, the name has been featured in various works of literature and popular culture. For example, Lettie is one of the main characters in "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak, set during World War II Germany.
In terms of its usage as a given name, Lettie is not particularly common today. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, Lettie has never been among the top 1000 most popular girl names since record-keeping began in 1957. Despite this, it remains a unique and charming option for parents looking for an uncommon yet meaningful name for their daughter.
In summary, the name Lettie is a shortened form of Letitia, which means happiness in Latin. It has been used as a given name for girls since the 17th century but is not particularly common today. The name's origin and meaning make it an appealing choice for parents seeking a unique yet significant name for their daughter.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Lettie since 1880
Total births
10,456
Total since 1880
Peak year
2023
215 births
in 2023
215
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+148%
↗
vs previous 5 years