The name Marletta is believed to have originated from the Latin name Marella, which itself is a diminutive form of the name Maria. Maria is derived from the ancient Hebrew name Miryam, which means "bitter" or "beloved". Marletta likely emerged as a variant of Marella during the medieval period in parts of Europe, particularly Italy and Spain.

Marletta was a relatively uncommon name throughout much of recorded history. However, there are a few notable individuals who bore this name. One of the earliest recorded instances is Marletta Guidi, an Italian noblewoman who lived in the 13th century and was a member of the powerful Guidi family of Florence.

In the 15th century, there was a Marletta di Giovanni, an Italian painter active in Siena during the Renaissance period. Though not widely renowned, some of her works can still be found in churches and museums in Siena and surrounding areas.

Moving forward to the 17th century, there was Marletta Angeli, an Italian actress and singer who performed in various theaters and opera houses across Italy. She was particularly known for her roles in comedic plays and operas.

In the 19th century, Marletta Piccolomini was an Italian writer and poet who published several collections of poetry and prose works. She was also a vocal advocate for women's rights and education.

Finally, in the early 20th century, there was Marletta Quintavalle, an Italian sculptor and artist who specialized in creating intricate marble sculptures and busts. Her work was featured in several exhibitions and galleries throughout Italy.

While not an extremely common name throughout history, Marletta has been borne by individuals from various walks of life, including nobility, artists, writers, and performers, primarily in Italy and other parts of southern Europe where the name likely originated and evolved from its Latin roots.