All about the name

Rettie

Female

« Rettie is a rare Scottish name, possibly derived from Rettauld, meaning 'little ruler', though its exact etymology remains unclear. »

#21439 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

Retty is a unique and uncommon given name of Scottish origin. It is believed to have emerged as a variant spelling of the name Retta, which itself may be a shortened form of various names beginning with the element "Reta," such as Rettauld or Retail. However, it's important to note that the exact etymology of Rettie is not entirely clear due to its rarity. The meaning behind the name Rettie is also uncertain. Since it is likely derived from other names, its significance may vary depending on the origin of its source name. For instance, if Rettie indeed comes from Rettauld, which means "ruler" in Scottish Gaelic, then Rettie could potentially mean "little ruler." However, without a clear etymological path, assigning a specific meaning to Rettie is challenging. The history of the name Rettie is difficult to trace due to its rarity. There are no well-known historical figures or events associated with this name. It appears to have been used sporadically throughout Scottish history, but it has never achieved widespread popularity. Today, Rettie remains an uncommon given name. Those who bear this unique moniker likely do so because their families chose a distinctive name with a potentially interesting backstory. While the exact origin and meaning of Rettie may be uncertain, its rarity makes it all the more special to those who carry this unusual name.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Rettie since 1880

Total births
163
Total since 1880
Peak year
1892
12 births
in 1920
8
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years