Letty is a unique and captivating female given name of Latin origin. Its roots can be traced back to the Roman family name Letti, which was derived from the Latin word 'letus', meaning 'happy' or 'joyful'. This suggests that the name Letty may have been bestowed upon individuals who were considered jovial and full of gladness.
The name Letty is also believed to be a diminutive form of the Latin name Leticia, which means 'joyful' or 'happy'. This further reinforces the joyous connotation associated with this name. It is important to note that while Letty shares similar meanings and origins with other names such as Letitia and Lettie, it stands alone in its unique charm and character.
Throughout history, there have been many notable individuals who have borne the name Letty. One of the most famous was Letitia Christian Tyler, who served as the First Lady of the United States from 1841 to 1842 during her husband's presidency. Despite her brief time in the White House, she is remembered for her grace and charm.
In literature, Letty Crookshank is a character in Anthony Trollope's novel "The Way We Live Now," while Lettice Fairy, also known as the "Green Lady," is a ghostly figure from English folklore. These fictional characters have added to the richness of the name Letty, making it even more intriguing and memorable.
Today, Letty remains a rare but beloved given name. Its unique origin and joyous meaning make it an attractive choice for parents looking for a distinctive yet meaningful name for their daughter. Despite its Latin roots, Letty has been embraced by various cultures around the world, demonstrating its universal appeal.
The name Letty has seen a fascinating journey in popularity over the years in the United States. From 1880 to 1976, there were periods of fluctuations in its usage, with a peak of 64 births in 1924 and a low of just 6 births in 2000.
However, starting from 2001, there was a significant resurgence in the popularity of the name Letty. In 2009, it jumped to 21 births, and by 2014, it reached an impressive 99 births. This upward trend continued, reaching 163 births in 2016, 156 in 2017, 142 in 2018, and 148 in 2019.
The most recent data available shows that in 2020, there were 119 births with the name Letty, followed by 122 in 2021, and a notable increase to 134 in 2022. In 2023, up until now, there have been 149 births recorded for the name Letty.
Overall, since 1880, there have been a total of 4322 births with the name Letty in the United States. The recent upward trend suggests that this classic name is once again gaining popularity among parents, perhaps drawn to its unique sound and historical significance.