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 #1299 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greece-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Althea?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
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 Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Althea Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Althea Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Althea Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Althea Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Althea Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Althea right now?
Rising fast — up 99 spots — currently #1299 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #1299 | 171 | ▲ up 99 · +7% births |
| 2024 | #1398 | 160 | ▼ down 511 · -88% births |
| 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 | — |
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:
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 | 487 | |
What are good nicknames for Althea?
What names sound and feel like Althea?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Althea also consider these
How is Althea written in other languages?
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 alth-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 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.