Althea

“healer” — Associated with the mother of Meleager in Greek mythology

Greece origin · Unisex name

♂ 0% boys♀ 100% girls

#887US 2023

1.3kBirths / yr

→Stable

17.2kAll-time births

📅 Since 188000.03% of births at peak

How to pronounce Althea

alth·EE·uh

/ælθ.ˈiː.ə/ · stress on EE · 3 syllables

“healer”

Associated with the mother of Meleager in Greek mythology · Greece origin

What does Althea mean and where does it come from?

Althea is of Greek origin, derived from the word Ἀλθαία (Althaia), which comes from the root ἀλθαίνω (althainō), meaning 'to heal.' It has been used in literature and myths, most notably associated with the mother of Meleager in Greek mythology. The name gained popularity in the English-speaking wor

Cultural significance

Althea has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greece-speaking communities, where it reflects values of healer.

Peak popularity

Reached #357 in 1920 — currently #887 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Althea?

Althea works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Althea Grace

How popular is Althea right now?

Holding steady — currently #887 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1880–2023#887 · Top 0.65%

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#887	1,313	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2022	#892	1,293	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2021	#897	1,263	▲ up 487 · +710% births
2020	#1384	156	▲ up 260 · +20% births
2015	#1644	130	▲ up 696 · +60% births
2010	#2340	81	▲ up 183 · +19% births
2005	#2523	68	▼ down 243
2000	#2280	68	▲ up 653 · +70% births
1995	#2933	40	▼ down 642 · -27% births
1990	#2291	55	▼ down 9 · +25% births
1985	#2282	44	▼ down 625 · -36% births
1980	#1657	69	▼ down 275 · -9% births
1975	#1382	76	▼ down 496 · -49% births
1970	#886	150	▼ down 212 · -30% births
1965	#674	213	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Althea

Best Year1920Rank #357

Peak Count1,313

Average Rank#1136

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1900 - 202328 years

The story of Althea

Althea has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. A total of 17,166 babies have received this name. Once ranked #581 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #887 in 2023. Althea is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.

Names that peaked alongside Althea in 1920:

Mary Dorothy Helen Margaret Ruth

Althea by decade

Althea peaked in the 1920s. See all 1920s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	156
1890s	323
1900s	496
1910s	2,014
1920s	2,596
1930s	1,472
1940s	1,275
1950s ★	3,015
1960s	1,791
1970s	1,002
1980s	592
1990s	492
2000s	627
2010s	1,159
2020s	156

What are good nicknames for Althea?

Common

Alt

What names sound and feel like Althea?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Althea also consider these

Alithea

Greece · Greek

Alphea

English · noble, bright

Altea

Arabic · A Arabic name

Althaea

Greece · to heal, to

Althena

Greece · Goddess of wisdom

Alethea

Greece · truth; sincerity

How is Althea written in other languages?

Αλθαια

Ancient Greek

Common questions about the name Althea

What does the name Althea mean?

Althea means "healer" — 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 Althea?

Althea is currently ranked #887 as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Althea?

Althea 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 Althea?

Althea is a three-syllable name pronounced AE0 L TH IY1 AH0. 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 Althea?

Althea 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.