What does Alethea mean and where does it come from?
Alethea is of Greek origin, deriving from 'aletheia,' which means 'truth'. It has been used since antiquity and gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the 19th century. The name symbolizes honesty and virtue. Notable bearers of this name include Alethea Howard, a notable British actr
Cultural significance
Alethea has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greece-speaking communities, where it reflects values of truth; sincerity.
Peak popularity
Reached #523 in 1973 — currently #3030 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greece-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Alethea?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Alethea?
Alethea works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Alethea Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Alethea Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Alethea Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Alethea Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Alethea Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Alethea Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Alethea right now?
Falling — down 369 spots — currently #3030 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #3030 | 54 | ▼ down 369 · -17% births |
| 2024 | #2661 | 65 | ▼ down 247 · -12% births |
| 2023 | #2414 | 74 | ▼ down 96 · -7% births |
| 2022 | #2318 | 80 | ▼ down 51 · -1% births |
| 2021 | #2267 | 81 | ▲ up 396 · +31% births |
| 2020 | #2663 | 62 | ▲ up 1101 · +55% births |
| 2015 | #3764 | 40 | ▲ up 1666 · +60% births |
| 2010 | #5430 | 25 | ▼ down 594 · -7% births |
| 2005 | #4836 | 27 | ▼ down 843 · -13% births |
| 2000 | #3993 | 31 | ▲ up 125 · +24% births |
| 1995 | #4118 | 25 | ▼ down 1313 · -39% births |
| 1990 | #2805 | 41 | ▼ down 440 · -2% births |
| 1985 | #2365 | 42 | ▼ down 819 · -45% births |
| 1980 | #1546 | 76 | ▼ down 398 · -25% births |
| 1975 | #1148 | 101 | — |
The story of Alethea
Alethea has been a beloved American name for over 132 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1892. With 4,610 total births recorded, Alethea remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #1722 in 1910, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #2414 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Alethea in 1973:
Alethea by decade
Alethea peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1890s | 25 | |
| 1900s | 37 | |
| 1910s | 154 | |
| 1920s | 214 | |
| 1930s | 108 | |
| 1940s | 172 | |
| 1950s | 464 | |
| 1960s | 680 | |
| 1970s ★ | 1,215 | |
| 1980s | 532 | |
| 1990s | 286 | |
| 2000s | 302 | |
| 2010s | 359 | |
| 2020s | 181 | |
💎With 4,610 total births, Alethea is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Alethea?
What names sound and feel like Alethea?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Alethea also consider these
How is Alethea written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Alethea
What does the name Alethea mean?
Alethea means "truth; sincerity" — 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 Alethea?
Alethea is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Alethea have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Alethea?
Alethea 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 Alethea?
Alethea is a four-syllable name pronounced al-uth-EE-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 Alethea?
Alethea 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.