The name Etta has its origins in the Germanic language, derived from the Old English word "ead," which means "prosperous" or "rich." It was a popular name among the Anglo-Saxons and was often used as a shortened form of longer names like Edelina or Edith.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Etta dates back to the 8th century, when an Anglo-Saxon nun named Etta lived in the Benedictine abbey of Minster-in-Thanet in Kent, England. She was renowned for her piety and was later venerated as a saint by the Catholic Church.

Etta was a relatively common name during the Middle Ages, particularly in England and Germany. One notable figure from this period was Etta of Guelders, a 13th-century Dutch noblewoman who served as the Regent of the County of Guelders from 1271 to 1277.

In the 19th century, the name Etta gained popularity in the United States, where it was often used as a shortened form of the name Henrietta. One famous bearer of the name was Etta Place, an American woman who was a companion and possible romantic interest of the outlaw Harry Longabaugh, better known as the Sundance Kid. She lived from around 1878 to the mid-20th century.

Another well-known Etta was Etta James, the iconic American singer who was a pioneer of the blues and rhythm and blues genres. Born in 1938, she was best known for her powerful vocals and hit songs like "At Last" and "Tell Mama." She passed away in 2012.

In the world of literature, Etta Semple was the protagonist of the novel "Miss Buncle's Book" by D.E. Stevenson, published in 1934. The character was a quiet, unassuming woman who wrote a satirical novel based on the residents of her village, causing quite a stir when it was published.