What does Agatha mean and where does it come from?
The name Agatha originates from the Greek word 'agathos' which means 'good' or 'virtuous'. It has been used since the early Christian era, particularly among saints, such as Saint Agatha, a martyr from Sicily. It gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the Middle Ages and has remained
Cultural significance
Agatha has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greece-speaking communities, where it reflects values of good, virtuous.
Peak popularity
Reached #369 in 1891 — currently #1703 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greece-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Agatha?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Agatha?
Agatha works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Agatha Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Agatha Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Agatha Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Agatha Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Agatha Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Agatha Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Agatha right now?
Falling — down 90 spots — currently #1703 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #1703 | 120 | ▼ down 90 · -7% births |
| 2024 | #1613 | 129 | ▲ up 57 · +4% births |
| 2023 | #1670 | 124 | ▲ up 104 · +7% births |
| 2022 | #1774 | 116 | ▼ down 242 · -15% births |
| 2021 | #1532 | 137 | ▲ up 581 · +61% births |
| 2020 | #2113 | 85 | ▲ up 53 · -2% births |
| 2015 | #2166 | 87 | ▲ up 1139 · +78% births |
| 2010 | #3305 | 49 | ▼ down 297 · -8% births |
| 2005 | #3008 | 53 | ▲ up 1284 · +89% births |
| 2000 | #4292 | 28 | ▲ up 54 · +22% births |
| 1995 | #4346 | 23 | ▼ down 633 · -18% births |
| 1990 | #3713 | 28 | ▼ down 292 · +12% births |
| 1985 | #3421 | 25 | ▼ down 350 · -11% births |
| 1980 | #3071 | 28 | ▲ up 194 · +33% births |
| 1975 | #3265 | 21 | — |
The story of Agatha
Agatha has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 8,858 total births recorded, Agatha remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #421 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1670 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Agatha in 1891:
Agatha by decade
Agatha peaked in the 1890s. See all 1890s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 212 | |
| 1890s | 468 | |
| 1900s | 623 | |
| 1910s ★ | 1,654 | |
| 1920s | 1,624 | |
| 1930s | 884 | |
| 1940s | 608 | |
| 1950s | 507 | |
| 1960s | 323 | |
| 1970s | 245 | |
| 1980s | 314 | |
| 1990s | 233 | |
| 2000s | 362 | |
| 2010s | 716 | |
| 2020s | 334 | |
💎With 8,858 total births, Agatha is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Agatha?
What names sound and feel like Agatha?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Agatha also consider these
How is Agatha written in other languages?
What are the boy versions of Agatha?
Common questions about the name Agatha
What does the name Agatha mean?
Agatha means "good, virtuous" — a name rooted in Greece tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Agatha?
Agatha is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Agatha have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Agatha?
Agatha originates from Greece tradition. Greece names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Agatha?
Agatha is a three-syllable name pronounced AG-uth-uh. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Agatha?
Agatha pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Greece heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.