Loletta

Loletta is a diminutive form of the name Lola, which itself is a short form of Dolores. The name Dolores is derived from the Spanish title of the Virgin Mary, 'Nuestra Señora de los Dolores,' meaning 'Our Lady of Sorrows.' This refers to the Seven Sorrows of Mary, a popular devotion in Catholicism. The name gained popularity in Spanish-speaking countries due to this religious association.

While Lola became a standalone name, Loletta emerged as a more elaborate, often perceived as a more 'feminine' or 'charming' diminutive. It is less common than Lola or Dolores, suggesting it might have been a more recent or localized creation, perhaps influenced by other names ending in '-etta' which are common diminutives in Romance languages.