Loretha is a unique and beautiful feminine given name of African origin. The name Loretha is derived from the African name Loreatha, which means "calmness" or "peacefulness." It is believed to have been brought to the United States by enslaved people who were taken from Africa during the Atlantic slave trade.
The name Loretha gained popularity in the United States during the early to mid-20th century. It was particularly common among African American communities, with many families choosing this name for their daughters as a way of honoring their African heritage and culture.
Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals named Loretha. One of the most famous is Loretha "Cookie" McGee, who was a prominent jazz singer in the 1940s and 1950s. McGee was known for her powerful vocals and her ability to captivate audiences with her performances.
Today, Loretha remains a popular name among African American communities, although it is not as widely used as it once was. Despite its decreasing popularity, the name Loretha still carries a rich history and cultural significance that continues to inspire and resonate with those who bear this beautiful name.
Based on the statistics provided, we can observe several trends regarding the name Loretha in the United States from 1910 to 1995.
The name Loretha first appeared as a given name in the U.S. in 1910 with six births recorded that year. The popularity of the name fluctuated significantly over the years, ranging from a low of five births in 1978 to a peak of 45 births in 1954.
In the early decades, Loretha's popularity grew steadily, reaching its zenith between 1921 and 1931. During this period, the number of babies named Loretha more than tripled, from 26 births in 1921 to a peak of 45 births in 1930.
However, after 1930, the popularity of the name began to decline. By the end of the 1940s, there were fewer than half as many Lorethas being born each year compared to the early 1930s peak. This downward trend continued through the 1950s and 1960s, with only occasional fluctuations in popularity.
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Loretha's popularity reached its lowest point since the name was first recorded as a given name. Between 1978 and 1984, there were fewer than ten babies named Loretha each year.
By the mid-1990s, however, there was once again an increase in the number of girls being named Loretha. Between 1992 and 1995, there were between five and eight births recorded annually for the name Loretha.
Overall, while Loretha has not been one of the most popular names in the United States, it has maintained a consistent presence throughout much of the twentieth century. Despite periods of decline in popularity, Loretha has remained a viable choice for parents looking for a unique and distinctive name for their daughters.