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    Althea

    Pronunciation: al-THEE-uh

    ♀ Female
    Ancient Greek

    Meaning

    healing, wholesome

    Origin

    Greek

    The Story Behind Althea

    The name Althea has ancient Greek roots, derived from the Greek word 'althaia' (ἀλθαία), which means 'healing' or 'wholesome.' It is also associated with the mallow plant, known for its medicinal properties. In Greek mythology, Althaea was the mother of Meleager, a hero of the Calydonian Boar hunt. The name saw some use in classical antiquity but largely fell out of favor for centuries.

    Althea experienced a revival in English-speaking countries during the Renaissance, particularly in the 16th and 17th centuries, due to renewed interest in classical names and literature. It appeared in pastoral poetry and plays, contributing to its gentle and somewhat ethereal image. While never reaching the heights of popularity of some other classical names, it has maintained a consistent, albeit uncommon, presence.

    Popularity & Trends

    Rarity:
    Uncommon
    Trend:Stable
    Peak decade:1940s
    Era:Ancient, Renaissance, Contemporary

    Popularity Trends

    Is Althea Right for Your Baby?

    Althea is a Gentle, Earthy, Elegant name for girls that suits parents looking for something with character. Most people will pronounce it correctly on the first try.

    Syllables3
    LengthMedium
    International UseRegional
    PronunciationEasy

    Cultural Associations

    Greek Mythology

    Regions Where Althea Is Used

    Greek
    Anglo-Saxon / British

    Name Vibe

    Gentle
    Earthy
    Elegant

    Famous People Named Althea

    • Althea Gibson (1927-2003), American tennis player, the first African American to win a Grand Slam title
    • Althea Reinhardt (born 1996), Danish handball player
    • Althea Bridges (born 1968), Australian operatic soprano
    • Althea Currier (born 1998), American distance runner

    Nicknames & Short Forms

    Thea
    Ally
    Al

    Althea in different fonts

    AltheaDancing Script
    AltheaCaveat
    AltheaSatisfy
    AltheaPacifico
    AltheaGreat Vibes

    Names Similar to Althea

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    Sibling Name Style

    If you like Althea, you might also like names with these styles:

    Nature names
    Classical

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    Frequently Asked Questions About Althea

    What does Althea mean?

    Althea means "healing, wholesome". It is derived from Greek.

    What is the origin of Althea?

    Althea originates from Ancient Greek. Its cultural origin is Greek.

    Is Althea a male or female name?

    Althea is a female name.

    How do you pronounce Althea?

    Althea is pronounced "al-THEE-uh".

    What language does Althea come from?

    Althea comes from Ancient Greek.

    Is Althea a popular name?

    Althea is considered a uncommon name, and its popularity trend is stable.

    What are nicknames for Althea?

    Common nicknames for Althea include Thea, Ally, Al.

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