Lauretha
Lauretha Origin and Meaning
Lauretha appears to be a variant of Laura or Lauretta, with the feminine suffix '-etha' added for distinction. The root derives from Latin 'laurus' meaning 'laurel tree' or 'victory,' symbolizing honor and achievement in ancient Rome. This naming pattern follows a phonological structure seen in various naming traditions where suffixes are added to traditional names to create new variants. Lauretha has maintained modest usage in English-speaking countries throughout the 20th century, particularly from the 1930s-1960s, though it remains relatively uncommon. The addition of the '-etha' suffix represents a phonological pattern that creates a melodic quality while distinguishing it from more common Laura derivatives. The name shares structural similarities with names like Aretha and Maretha, which follow similar phonological patterns.