Coretta is a diminutive form of the name Cora, which itself is derived from the Greek word 'kore', meaning 'maiden'. The name gained significant recognition through Coretta Scott King, the wife of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., who was a prominent figure in the American civil rights movement. The name Coretta embodies qualities of strength, resilience, and a commitment to social justice, reflecting the legacy of Coretta Scott King.