Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Etta
GirlEnglish· “short for Henrietta and similar names”
- Meaning
- short for Henrietta and similar names
- Origin
- English
- Pronunciation
- EH-tuh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #930
- US babies 2025
- 281
- Best rank
- #72 (1880)
- Peak year
- 1920
Meaning and origin of Etta
Etta is an English name that is usually said to mean “short for Henrietta and similar names”.
Etta started life as a short form of names ending in -etta, such as Henrietta, Marietta and Loretta. Henrietta, the most common source, is the feminine form of Henry, which comes from Germanic elements meaning "home" and "ruler." Etta stood on its own as a given name by the nineteenth century. Its best-known bearer is the singer Etta James, whose recording of At Last remains a wedding favorite. Today Etta has the charm of a vintage revival: short, spirited and a little old-fashioned in the best way. It sits comfortably beside names like Ada, Ivy and Nell.
Popularity over time
Etta has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 94 different years. Its best national rank was #72 in 1880, and the most babies received it in 1920, when 803 were named Etta. In 2025, 281 babies were named Etta, and it ranked #930 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #230 in 1920, #477 in 1950, #3,540 in 1980, #6,914 in 2000, #2,349 in 2010, and #930 in 2025. Of the 43,268 US girls named Etta since records began, 16% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1910s come next, with 6,252 babies. Since 2010, 3,655 more have been named Etta.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Lizzie, Jewel, Eleanore, Leola, and Ola.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Etta ranked highest in North Dakota, Idaho, and Minnesota.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | #123 | 8 |
| Idaho | #225 | 10 |
| Minnesota | #244 | 23 |
| Nebraska | #305 | 7 |
| Arkansas | #347 | 9 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Etta is usually pronounced EH-tuh, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with E and ends in “-ta”.
Middle names for Etta
A few middle names that flow with Etta: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Etta
Similar names
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CHAHR-lee
“free man” · English
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“grace, favor” · English
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Jessie Unisex
JEH-see
“pet form of Jessica, Jesse or Janet” · English
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Mabel Girl
MAY-buhl
“lovable” · English
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Frankie Unisex
FRANG-kee
“Frenchman; short for Frank” · English
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Hattie Girl
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“home ruler; pet form of Harriet” · English
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Rosie Girl
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“rose” · English
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Ruthie Girl
ROO-thee
“pet form of Ruth; possibly friend” · English
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Lottie Girl
LAH-tee
“pet form of Charlotte; free man” · English
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Piper Girl
PY-pur
“pipe player” · English
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Molly Girl
MAH-lee
“diminutive of Mary” · English
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Lilly Girl
LIH-lee
“lily flower” · English
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Lists that include Etta
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Etta mean?
Etta is an English name that is usually said to mean “short for Henrietta and similar names”.
What is the origin of the name Etta?
Etta has English roots. Etta started life as a short form of names ending in -etta, such as Henrietta, Marietta and Loretta.
Is Etta a popular name?
Yes. Etta ranked #930 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Etta a boy or girl name?
Etta is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Etta?
Etta is usually pronounced EH-tuh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings