Joy, gladness
Latessa is a modern American elaboration likely derived from the Latin root 'laetitia', meaning joy or gladness. It follows the stylistic pattern of adding the 'La-' prefix to established names or roots, a common practice in African American naming traditions. While rare, it carries a rhythmic and melodic quality associated with happiness.
Less common today
Latessa isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #7,228 in 1993.
US births per 5-year period, 1990βpresent (SSA data).