Meaning & History
Lettice is a medieval vernacular form of Letitia, derived from the Late Latin name Laetitia, meaning "joy, happiness." The name was borne by an obscure saint venerated primarily in Spain, and it gained use in England during the Middle Ages, where the spelling Lettice became common. It experienced a revival in the 18th century.
Notable Bearers
One of the most famous historical bearers is Lettice Knollys (1543–1634), a prominent courtier during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I and the mother of Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex. Other notable figures include Lettice Curtis (1915–2014), an English aviator and flight test engineer; Lettice Cooper (1897–1994), an English writer; and Lettice Digby, 1st Baroness Offaly (1580–1658), an Irish peeress and landowner. The name has also appeared in literature and as a surname.
Related Forms
Diminutives of Lettice include Lettie, Letty, Tisha, and Titty, the last of which is now considered archaic. In other languages and cultures, forms include Laëtitia in French, Letícia in Portuguese, and Latisha among African Americans. These share the same Latin root of laetitia, "joy."
- Meaning: Medieval form of Letitia, meaning "joy, happiness"
- Origin: Latin via French and Middle English
- Usage: English
- Gender: Female
Related Names
Sources: Wikipedia — Lettice