Find out how popular the first name Detta has been for the last 4 years (from 1976 to 1979) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Detta by gender

Based on the last 4 years of data, Detta is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1979, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Detta.

The history of the first name Detta

Detta is a feminine given name with roots tracing back to the ancient Germanic languages. It is believed to have originated from the Old Norse word "dettir," meaning "daughter" or "girl." The name was commonly used in Scandinavia during the Viking era, which spanned from the late 8th century to the late 11th century.

In the Old Norse sagas, which are a collection of Icelandic prose narratives from the medieval period, there are references to several female characters bearing the name Detta. One notable example is Detta Flókadóttir, the daughter of the legendary Viking explorer Flóki Vilgerðarson, who is credited with the discovery and settlement of Iceland in the 9th century.

As the Vikings ventured and established settlements across Europe, the name Detta gradually spread to other regions. In the Middle Ages, variations of the name, such as Deta and Detta, began appearing in historical records from parts of modern-day Germany, the Netherlands, and England.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Detta can be found in the Domesday Book, a manuscript produced in 1086 under the orders of William the Conqueror, which served as a comprehensive survey of landholdings in England. The Domesday Book mentions a landowner named Detta, although details about her life are scarce.

In the 12th century, a German noblewoman named Detta von Monschau gained recognition for her philanthropic efforts. She was known for her charitable work in the region of Monschau, where she established a hospital and provided aid to the poor.

During the Renaissance period, Detta Alighieri, the daughter of the renowned Italian poet Dante Alighieri, was a notable figure in her own right. Born in 1305, she played a significant role in preserving and promoting her father's literary works.

In the 16th century, Detta Van Loo, a Dutch Golden Age painter, was renowned for her portraiture and genre scenes. She was born in 1629 and became a prominent member of the prestigious Van Loo family of artists.

Another notable figure was Detta Frescobaldi, an Italian composer and musician from the late 16th century. She was born in 1568 and gained recognition for her contributions to the development of early Baroque music.

While the name Detta has remained relatively uncommon in modern times, it continues to hold historical significance and serves as a reminder of its ancient Germanic origins and the cultural legacy of the Viking era.

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

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

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