Etta is a traditionally feminine name with German roots, derived from the name Henrietta. It means "home ruler" and has been used as a standalone name since the 19th century. The name experienced a decline in popularity in the mid-20th century but has seen a resurgence in recent years, particularly due to the influence of Etta James, the legendary American singer. This revival has been fueled by the name's vintage charm and its use as a nickname for longer names like Henrietta. Etta is now gaining traction in both the US and UK, reflecting a growing interest in classic names with unique histories. Etta was once a Top 100 name in the late 19th century but fell out of favor. It reappeared on US charts in 2017 and has been steadily rising, currently ranked #938 in U. Births (The Bump, 2024).
