Find out how popular the first name Aretta has been for the last 16 years (from 1976 to 1991) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Aretta by gender

Based on the last 16 years of data, Aretta is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1991, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Aretta.

The history of the first name Aretta

The name Aretta is believed to have originated from the Greek language, with its roots traced back to the ancient city of Arta, located in northwestern Greece. This city was once known as Ambracia during the classical period of Greek history. The name Aretta is thought to be a feminine form derived from the name of the city.

In Greek mythology, Arta was associated with the god Apollo, who was revered as the patron of the city. The name Aretta may have been used as a tribute to this divine connection, bestowing upon the bearer the blessings and protection of the god Apollo.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Aretta can be found in the writings of the ancient Greek historian Herodotus, who mentioned a woman named Aretta in his work "The Histories," written in the 5th century BC. This early reference suggests that the name was in use during the classical era of ancient Greece.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Aretta. One such figure was Aretta the Younger (c. 100 BC – 60 BC), a wealthy Greek woman from the island of Naxos, who was known for her philanthropic efforts and support of the arts and literature.

Another prominent bearer of the name was Aretta of Nazareth (c. 1230 – 1300), a Flemish mystic and Beguine who lived during the 13th century. She is remembered for her religious devotion and her writings on spiritual matters, which influenced the mystical traditions of her time.

In the realm of literature, the name Aretta was immortalized by the American poet and novelist Julia Ward Howe (1819 – 1910) in her work "The Battle Hymn of the Republic." In this famous poem, she referred to a character named Aretta, symbolizing the virtues of courage and strength.

Another notable figure was Aretta Douglas Harless (1868 – 1952), an American educator and advocate for women's rights. She was a pioneer in the field of home economics and played a significant role in promoting education and empowerment for women in the early 20th century.

Lastly, the name Aretta was borne by Aretta Gooden (1921 – 2009), an American civil rights activist and educator. She was a prominent figure in the struggle for racial equality and dedicated her life to advocating for educational opportunities for underprivileged communities.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Aretta was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Aretta, please contact us.

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