Laetitia is a feminine given name of Latin origin. Its meaning is "happiness" or "joy". The name comes from the Latin word 'laetus', which means happy or joyful, and the suffix '-itia', which denotes a state or quality.
The name Laetitia has a long history dating back to ancient Rome. It was used by the Romans as an adjective meaning "happy" or "jovial". In some cases, it was also used as a proper noun, referring to the goddess of joy and happiness in Roman mythology.
In medieval Europe, the name Laetitia began to be used as a given name for females. It became particularly popular among the nobility, with several queens and princesses throughout history bearing this name.
Today, Laetitia is still used as a feminine given name, although it is not as common as some other names. It remains a classic choice, known for its elegant and timeless sound. Some famous people named Laetitia include French singer Laeticia Hallyday and Belgian tennis player Justine Henin, who goes by the nickname "Laetti".
Laetitia is a unique and distinctive name that has been given to newborns in the United States over several decades. According to the statistics provided, there have been a total of 375 babies named Laetitia born in the US since 1916.
The popularity of the name Laetitia seems to fluctuate over time, with some years seeing a higher number of births than others. For instance, between 1940 and 1945, there were only five births each year. However, in 1972, there was a significant increase with eleven babies named Laetitia born that year.
The most recent data available shows that the name Laetitia is still being chosen for newborns today, with eight births recorded in 2017 and five births in 2019. This suggests that while it may not be one of the most popular names in the US, Laetitia remains a recognizable and meaningful choice for parents.
Overall, these statistics indicate that the name Laetitia has been a consistent presence in the United States over the past century, albeit with varying degrees of popularity from year to year. Each baby named Laetitia is unique, bringing their own special qualities and contributions to the world.