Find out how popular the first name Coretta has been for the last 49 years (from 1974 to 2022) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Coretta by gender

Based on the last 49 years of data, Coretta is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2022, there were 7 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Coretta.

The history of the first name Coretta

The name Coretta is derived from the Italian word "cora," which means "little girl." It has its roots in the Latin word "cor," meaning "heart." The name first emerged in Italy during the Middle Ages and was initially used as a diminutive form of the name Cora.

Coretta gained popularity in Italy during the Renaissance period, particularly among the upper-class families. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the writings of the Italian poet and scholar Petrarch, who lived from 1304 to 1374. He dedicated a few of his sonnets to a woman named Coretta, whom he admired.

In the 16th century, the name Coretta appeared in several religious texts and records, indicating its use among the Christian community. One notable example is Saint Coretta of Modena, an Italian nun who lived from 1544 to 1621 and was known for her charitable works and devotion to the poor.

As the name spread across Europe, it gained popularity in other countries, with variations such as Corette in France and Coretta in Spain. One of the earliest examples of the name in English literature can be found in the play "The Widow's Tears" by George Chapman, which was published in 1612. The play features a character named Coretta.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals with the name Coretta:

1. Coretta Scott King (1927-2006), an American author, activist, and civil rights leader, and the wife of Martin Luther King Jr.
2. Coretta LeSeure (1905-1976), an American actress and singer who appeared in several films during the 1930s and 1940s.
3. Coretta Brown (1913-1985), an American blues singer and songwriter, known for her contributions to the Chicago blues scene.
4. Coretta Arle (1908-1977), an Italian actress who appeared in numerous Italian films during the 1940s and 1950s.
5. Coretta Gillard (born 1974), an Australian politician and former Prime Minister of Australia from 2010 to 2013.

While the name Coretta has its origins in Italy, it has gained global recognition and has been used across various cultures and ethnicities, particularly in the United States, where it became more widely known due to the influence of Coretta Scott King.

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 Coretta was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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