Etta
Etta is a girl name of English (diminutive) origin meaning “Little one”, pronounced EH-tah. It ranked #930 in the United States in 2025, given to 281 babies, and peaked at #72 in 1880. Common nicknames: Et, Ettie.
How popular is Etta in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Etta mean, and where does it come from?
Etta began as a diminutive suffix common to names like Henrietta, Loretta, and Rosetta, before emerging as an independent given name in the 19th century. It is most famously associated with legendary American singer Etta James, born Jamesetta Hawkins, whose soulful voice made "At Last" an enduring classic. The short, vintage charm of Etta has fueled a modern revival alongside other retro one-syllable names like Mae and Nell.
How is Etta used around the world?
Etta is used in 1 languages worldwide, with 7+ international variants.
TypeFemale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Etta?
Famous People Named Etta
- Etta James — American singer ("At Last")
- Etta Place — American outlaw associated with Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
- Etta Ng — daughter of actor Jackie Chan
Similar Names to Etta
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Sibling Name Ideas for Etta
Looking for names that pair well with Etta? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Etta mean?
Etta is a girl name of English (diminutive) origin meaning "Little one." Etta began as a diminutive suffix common to names like Henrietta, Loretta, and Rosetta, before emerging as an independent given name in the 19th century. It is most famously associated with legendary American singer Etta James, born Jamesetta Hawkins, whose soulful voice made "At Last" an enduring classic.
How do you pronounce Etta?
Etta is pronounced EH-tah. Common variations include Ettie, Etty, Henrietta.
Is Etta a girl name?
Yes, Etta is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Et, Ettie.