What does Reatha mean and where does it come from?
Reatha is largely used in the United States and can be seen as a modern take on the more traditional name Ruth. It has enjoyed some popularity since the 20th century. Variations might include Reeta or Rita.
Cultural significance
Reatha has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a derived form of the name ruth, meaning 'friend' or 'companion'..
Peak popularity
Reached #874 in 1910 — currently #707 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Reatha?
Reatha works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Reatha Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Reatha Rose
Floral · soft ending
Reatha Mae
Sweet · timeless
Reatha Claire
French influence · crisp
Reatha Jane
Literary · strong
Reatha Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Reatha right now?
Holding steady — currently #707 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #707 | 1,493 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #712 | 1,473 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #717 | 1,443 | ▲ up 4079 · +13018% births |
| 1970 | #4796 | 11 | ▼ down 2237 · -52% births |
| 1965 | #2559 | 23 | ▼ down 624 · -34% births |
| 1960 | #1935 | 35 | ▼ down 188 · -3% births |
| 1955 | #1747 | 36 | ▼ down 261 · -8% births |
| 1950 | #1486 | 39 | ▼ down 358 · -20% births |
| 1945 | #1128 | 49 | ▲ up 292 · +69% births |
| 1940 | #1420 | 29 | ▼ down 371 · -34% births |
| 1935 | #1049 | 44 | ▼ down 11 · -14% births |
| 1930 | #1038 | 51 | ▼ down 72 · -15% births |
| 1925 | #966 | 60 | ▼ down 87 · -13% births |
| 1920 | #879 | 69 | ▲ up 73 · +41% births |
| 1915 | #952 | 49 | — |
The story of Reatha
Reatha has been a beloved American name for over 131 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1893. With 2,624 total births recorded, Reatha remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #884 in 1900 to #707 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Reatha in 1910:
Reatha by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1890s | 23 | |
| 1900s | 131 | |
| 1910s | 376 | |
| 1920s ★ | 587 | |
| 1930s | 441 | |
| 1940s | 422 | |
| 1950s | 394 | |
| 1960s | 184 | |
| 1970s | 51 | |
| 1980s | 10 | |
| 1990s | 5 | |
💎With 2,624 total births, Reatha is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Reatha?
What names sound and feel like Reatha?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Reatha also consider these
Common questions about the name Reatha
What does the name Reatha mean?
Reatha means "A derived form of the name Ruth, meaning 'friend' or 'companion'." — 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 Reatha?
Reatha is currently ranked #707 as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Reatha?
Reatha 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 Reatha?
Reatha is a three-syllable name pronounced R EY1 AE1 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 Reatha?
Reatha 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.