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Coretta

♀ Girl

Pronounced kuh-RET-uh /kəˈrɛt.ə/Medium

Meaning: An -etta elaboration of Cora, from the Greek 'kore,' 'maiden.' The name is inseparable from Coretta Scott King, civil-rights leader and widow of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., noted respectfully.Low

In 30 seconds: A graceful classic: Coretta elaborates Cora ('maiden,' Greek), said 'kuh-RET-uh' — honored through Coretta Scott King.

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Origin MediumGreek

MeaningAn -etta elaboration of Cora, from the Greek 'kore,' 'maiden.' The name is inseparable from Coretta Scott King, civil-rights leader and widow of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., noted respectfully.

U.S. rank (2024)#15744 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births5 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1968

Total births (all-time)≈ 2,433

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Coretta builds on Cora, from the Greek for 'maiden,' with the affectionate -etta suffix. Its American story bends around Coretta Scott King: the name peaked in 1968, the year of Dr. King's assassination, as families paid tribute, then gradually faded (said 'kuh-RET-uh'). Noted respectfully.

Coretta carries a civil-rights legacy and belongs largely to its 1960s moment. Rare, dignified, and historic.

Did you know? Coretta dresses up Cora ('maiden') with an -etta ending; it peaked in 1968 — the year Dr. King was assassinated — as families honored Coretta Scott King, noted respectfully.

Overall data confidence 55%

References — Coretta — Elaboration of Cora; Greek 'maiden'; Coretta Scott King

Variations

CoraCorettaCoreta

Nicknames

CoraRetta

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Coretta…

Cora— the root it elaborates

Loretta— a like -etta classic

Henrietta— a like formal -etta name

Etta— a warm short cousin

Explore names like Coretta

By themevintage historic 1960s greek-rooted

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Coretta mean?

Coretta is an elaborated form of Cora, from the Greek for 'maiden'; it is closely tied to Coretta Scott King.

How do you pronounce Coretta?

It's said kuh-RET-uh /kəˈrɛt.ə/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Coretta a boy or girl name?

Coretta is used here as a girl's name.

How popular is Coretta?

Coretta peaked in the late sixties and is uncommon now.