Aretusa

water nymph — from Aretusa — Associated with freshwater springs
Greek origin · Girl name
3% boys97% girls
#1681US 2023
10Births / yr
Stable
Top 1.2%Percentile

What does Aretusa mean and where does it come from?

Aretusa is derived from the Greek mythological figure, a nymph associated with freshwater springs.

Cultural significance
In Greek mythology, Aretusa was a nymph who transformed into a spring, symbolizing purity and transformation.
Peak popularity
Reached #1681 in 2015 — currently #1681 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greek-origin baby names with timeless appeal
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How else can you spell Aretusa?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

What middle names flow best with Aretusa?

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

Aretusa Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Aretusa Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Aretusa Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Aretusa Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Aretusa Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Aretusa Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
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Middle Names
The best middle names for Aretusa
Browse ideas →

How popular is Aretusa right now?

Holding steady — currently #1681 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 20192023#1681 · Top 1.2%
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
YearUS RankBirthsvs Prior Year
2023#168110stable
2022#168110stable
2021#168110stable
2020#168110stable
2019#168110
💎Aretusa is exceptionally rare — it does not appear in US Social Security records, meaning fewer than 5 babies per year have received this name.

What are good nicknames for Aretusa?

Common
AreArArieAryUsa

Common questions about the name Aretusa

What does the name Aretusa mean?
Aretusa means "water nymph — from Aretusa" — a name rooted in Greek 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 Aretusa?
Aretusa is currently a distinctive and less common name 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 Aretusa?
Aretusa originates from Greek tradition. Greek names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
What sibling names go well with Aretusa?
Aretusa pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Arabic heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.
Is Aretusa more of a girl or boy name?
Aretusa is primarily used as a girl name, giving it a clear, timeless character while remaining accessible to modern families.