“The name Aretha gained significant prominence due to Aretha Franklin, the legendary singer known as the 'Queen of Soul'”
American origin · Girl name
♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls
#13616US 2023
6Births / yr
↑Rising
5.6kAll-time births
📅 Since 190000.03% of births at peak
How to pronounce Aretha
er·EE·thuh
/ɝ.ˈiː.θə/ · stress on EE · 3 syllables
“The name Aretha gained significant prominence due to Aretha Franklin, the legendary singer known as the 'Queen of Soul'”
American origin · Girl name
What does Aretha mean and where does it come from?
The name Aretha gained significant prominence due to Aretha Franklin, the legendary singer known as the 'Queen of Soul'. It has roots in the Greek language and carries a meaning of moral excellence. The name is less common today, but stands out due to its association with significant cultural figure
Cultural significance
Aretha has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of english.
Peak popularity
Reached #397 in 1968 — currently #13616 in the US.
Rising fast — up 144 spots — currently #13616 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
US Trend 1900–2023#13616 · Top 10%
1950
1955
1960
1965
1970
1975
1980
1985
1990
1995
2000
2010
2021
2022
2023
Year
US Rank
Births
vs Prior Year
2023
#13616
6
▲ up 144
2022
#13760
6
▼ down 117
2021
#13643
6
▼ down 144 · -14% births
2010
#13499
7
▲ up 1630 · +40% births
2000
#15129
5
▼ down 6302 · -44% births
1995
#8827
9
▼ down 4695 · -62% births
1990
#4132
24
▼ down 792 · -8% births
1985
#3340
26
▼ down 1401 · -53% births
1980
#1939
55
▼ down 911 · -53% births
1975
#1028
117
▼ down 388 · -54% births
1970
#640
257
▲ up 177 · +74% births
1965
#817
148
▲ up 619 · +151% births
1960
#1436
59
▲ up 515 · +97% births
1955
#1951
30
▼ down 391 · -17% births
1950
#1560
36
—
Name Popularity Timeline
Popularity Statistics for Aretha
1970Rank #640
257
#4407
↘Falling
1900 - 202325 years
The story of Aretha
Aretha has been a beloved American name for over 124 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1900. With 5,637 total births recorded, Aretha remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #2146 in 1900, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #13616 in 2023.
Aretha means "English" — a name rooted in American 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 Aretha?
Aretha is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Aretha have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Aretha?
Aretha originates from American tradition. American 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 Aretha?
Aretha is a three-syllable name pronounced ER0 IY1 TH 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 Aretha?
Aretha pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar American heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.
Sibling names that pair with Aretha
For a sister
Aretha & Weston♡
Aretha & Summer♡
Aretha & Jesse♡
Aretha & Brandon♡
For a brother
Aretha & Wesley♡
Aretha & Weston♡
Aretha & Summer♡
Aretha & Jason♡
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Worldwide ranking · 2023
Country
Rank
🇺🇸 USA
#13616
🇬🇧 UK
—
🇨🇦 Canada
—
🇦🇺 Australia
—
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