Loretta \l(o)-retta, lor(et)-ta\ as a girl's name is pronounced lor-RET-ah. It is of Italian origin. Diminutive of Laura (Latin) "laurel" or Lora. This elaborated form of the name was created in the 19th century. Loreta is a saint's name. Actresses Loretta Young, Loretta Swit; country singer Loretta Lynn.

Loretta has 9 variant forms: Laretta, Larretta, Lauretta, Laurette, Leretta, Loreta, Lorette, Lorretta and Lowretta.

Baby names that sound like Loretta are Laretha, Lorrette, Lorita and Lurette.