Loretha is a female name with American and British English pronunciations pronounced as loh-RETH-uh (/loʊˈrɛθə/ and /lɔˈrɛθə/, respectively). It is a variation of the name Loretta. The origin of the name Loretha is uncertain, but it is believed to have evolved from the Italian form of Lauretta, which means "laurel" or "bay tree." The name Loretha has been recorded in the United States since at least the early 20th century, with varying levels of popularity over the years. While it has not been one of the most commonly given names, Loretha has maintained a consistent presence in baby naming trends.