Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Leticia
GirlSpanish, Latin· “joy, happiness”
- Meaning
- joy, happiness
- Origin
- Spanish, Latin
- Pronunciation
- luh-TEE-shuh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #1,707
- US babies 2025
- 120
- Best rank
- #232 (1976)
- Peak year
- 1980
Meaning and origin of Leticia
Leticia is a Spanish and Latin name that means “joy, happiness”.
Leticia comes from the Latin laetitia, meaning joy or happiness. The name was used in medieval England as Lettice, and it has remained common in Spanish-speaking countries. Queen Letizia of Spain is a well-known modern bearer of the Italian-style spelling. Leticia has a graceful, rhythmic sound, with stress on the second syllable. It feels warm, elegant and slightly vintage. Leti, Tish and Lettie are possible nicknames, and the name pairs well with many surnames.
Other spellings with the same sound: Latisha.
Popularity over time
Leticia first appears in US Social Security records in 1916. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 59 different years, starting in 1950. Its best national rank was #232 in 1976, and the most babies received it in 1980, when 1,070 were named Leticia. In 2025, 120 babies were named Leticia, and it ranked #1,707 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #3,483 in 1920, #837 in 1950, #241 in 1980, #558 in 2000, #1,072 in 2010, and #1,707 in 2025. Of the 42,984 US girls named Leticia since records began, 24% were born in the 1970s, its biggest decade. The 1960s come next, with 8,312 babies. Since 2010, 2,301 more have been named Leticia.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Lesley, Lakeisha, Lorena, Maribel, and Shauna.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Leticia ranked highest in Florida, California, and Texas.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | #939 | 17 |
| California | #1072 | 25 |
| Texas | #1581 | 15 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Leticia is usually pronounced luh-TEE-shuh, with three syllables. It has seven letters, starts with L and ends in “-ia”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Latisha.
Middle names for Leticia
A few middle names that flow with Leticia: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Leticia
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Lists that include Leticia
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Leticia mean?
Leticia is a Spanish and Latin name that means “joy, happiness”.
What is the origin of the name Leticia?
Leticia has Spanish and Latin roots. Leticia comes from the Latin laetitia, meaning joy or happiness.
Is Leticia a popular name?
Not especially. Leticia ranked #1,707 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Leticia a boy or girl name?
Leticia is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Leticia?
Leticia is usually pronounced luh-TEE-shuh. 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