Leta

Leta is a feminine given name primarily used in English-speaking countries. Its exact etymology is uncertain, but it is believed to derive from the Latin laetus, meaning "glad" or "joyful." Alternatively, it may have originated as a short form of names ending in -leta, such as Rosaleta or similar variants.

Notable Bearers

Several women have brought prominence to the name. Leta Stetter Hollingsworth (1886–1939) was a pioneering American psychologist known for her work in intelligence, giftedness, and women's psychology. Leta Andrews (born 1937) is a celebrated American basketball coach who holds the record for most career wins by a high school basketball coach. Other notable figures include Leta Powell Drake (1938–2021), an American broadcaster; Leta Hong Fincher, an American journalist; Leta Lindley (born 1972), an American professional golfer; Leta Peer (1964–2012), a Swiss artist; and Leta Myers Smart (1894–1981), a Native American (Omaha) writer and activist.

Cultural Context

While not extremely common, Leta has a namesake in mythology: Leda (sometimes spelled Lêda) is a figure in Greek mythology, the mother of Helen of Troy and the Dioscuri. Though Leta is distinct from Leda, the names are sometimes conflated. The name enjoyed moderate usage in the United States during the early 20th century, with a notable peak in 19079 when it ranked No. 10,849 (15 births).

• Meaning: "Glad" (from Latin laetus) or a short form of -leta names
• Origin: Latin
• Type: First name
• Usage regions: English-speaking countries primarily
• Related names: Lita, Leda