Etta

Little one — a girl name of English (diminutive) origin

GenderGirl
MeaningLittle one
PronunciationEH-tah

Popularity of Etta in the United States

#930Rank in 2025
281Births in 2025
#72 in 1880Peak Popularity
→ Stable10-Year Trend

Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.

Meaning & Origin of Etta

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.

Etta Around the World

Etta is used in 1 languages worldwide, with 7+ international variants.

Languages
English
Details

TypeFemale given name

International Variants
MettaIcelandic
BettaItalian
NettaFinnish
Eta
Itta
Ettie
Etla

Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.

Nicknames for Etta

EtEttie

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

If you like Etta, you might also consider these names with a similar feel.

Also consider:MaeIda

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.

JackOtisHazelFrankRuby

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.

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