Pearl or speaker
Retta is primarily used as a diminutive of Margaret, meaning 'pearl,' or Loretta, which is associated with the laurel tree. In some contexts, it is linked to the Latin 'rhetor,' meaning 'speaker.' It gained independent use in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Less common today
Retta isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #9,343 in 2017.
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
American stand-up comedian and actress known for Parks and Recreation
American soul and disco singer
Pioneering animator for Disney Studios
