Floretta is a Latinate diminutive of Flora, which is derived from the Latin word flos meaning "flower" (genitive floris). Flora was the Roman goddess of flowers and spring, wife of Zephyr the west wind. The name Flora has been used as a given name since the Renaissance, starting in France, and in Scotland it was sometimes used as an Anglicized form of Fionnghuala. Etymology The suffix -etta is a diminutive ending in Italian and other Romance languages, implying a smaller, younger, or affectionate version of the base name. Thus, Floretta literally means "little flower" or "young flower." The formation parallels other floral diminutives like Fleurette in French. Related Names Variants of Floretta include Flo, Florrie, Florry, Floy, and Floella. Names in other languages continue the floral theme: Fleur (French), Floor (Dutch), and Flore (French). The root of the name leads to Fionnuala, an Irish name meaning "white shoulder," from Old Irish finn "white, blessed" and gúala "shoulder." In Irish legend, Fionnuala was one of the children of Lir transformed into swans for 900 years. Cultural Significance Floretta has never been a common name, but it appeals because of its pretty meaning and delicate sound. It fits in with the trend of romantic, vintage-sounding names that evoke nature. The name is used primarily in English-speaking countries, however remains rare. Meaning: Little flower Origin: Latin (diminutive of Flora) Type: Diminutive Usage: English