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.
The name Rettie has a fascinating history of usage in the United States, as reflected in the annual birth statistics from 1881 to 1920. Over this period of 40 years, the name was given to a total of 163 babies.
The popularity of the name Rettie fluctuated throughout the decades. In the 1880s and 1890s, it experienced several peaks in usage. The highest number of births in any single year during this period was 12 in 1892. This was followed by years with notable numbers of births, such as 8 in 1882 and 1896, and 7 in 1890, 1897, and 1914.
The early 1900s saw a slight decrease in the usage of Rettie. However, it remained relatively consistent with an average of about 7 births per year between 1901 and 1905. The name also experienced a brief resurgence in popularity in the early 1920s, with 8 births in 1920.
Throughout these decades, Rettie was not one of the most popular names, but it maintained a steady presence nonetheless. Its total number of births over the period indicates that it held some level of significance for parents during this time. The fluctuations in its usage also reflect changes in naming trends and preferences among different generations of Americans.