What does Retha mean and where does it come from?
Retha can be considered a diminutive or variant of Ruth, a name that has Hebrew origins and has been popular in various cultures. It signifies friendship and is often associated with loyalty. It can also link to the English name Margaret, which denotes preciousness, akin to that of a pearl. Retha wa
Cultural significance
Retha has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a form of 'ruth', meaning 'friend'.
Peak popularity
Reached #431 in 1901 — currently #1344 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Retha?
Retha works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Retha Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Retha Rose
Floral · soft ending
Retha Mae
Sweet · timeless
Retha Claire
French influence · crisp
Retha Jane
Literary · strong
Retha Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Retha right now?
Holding steady — currently #1344 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1344 | 856 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1349 | 836 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2021 | #1354 | 806 | ▲ up 12095 · +16020% births |
| 1995 | #13449 | 5 | ▼ down 6115 · -55% births |
| 1990 | #7334 | 11 | ▼ down 2860 · -35% births |
| 1985 | #4474 | 17 | ▼ down 960 · -26% births |
| 1980 | #3514 | 23 | ▼ down 620 · -8% births |
| 1975 | #2894 | 25 | ▼ down 1054 · -48% births |
| 1970 | #1840 | 48 | ▼ down 630 · -39% births |
| 1965 | #1210 | 79 | ▼ down 282 · -40% births |
| 1960 | #928 | 132 | ▼ down 192 · -20% births |
| 1955 | #736 | 166 | ▼ down 127 · -12% births |
| 1950 | #609 | 189 | ▼ down 39 · +14% births |
| 1945 | #570 | 166 | ▼ down 77 · -15% births |
| 1940 | #493 | 196 | — |
The story of Retha
Retha has been a beloved American name for over 140 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1884. A total of 10,592 babies have received this name.
Names that peaked alongside Retha in 1901:
Retha by decade
Retha peaked in the 1900s. See all 1900s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 30 | |
| 1890s | 178 | |
| 1900s | 446 | |
| 1910s | 1,372 | |
| 1920s ★ | 2,078 | |
| 1930s | 1,868 | |
| 1940s | 1,702 | |
| 1950s | 1,595 | |
| 1960s | 872 | |
| 1970s | 257 | |
| 1980s | 143 | |
| 1990s | 46 | |
| 2010s | 5 | |
What are good nicknames for Retha?
ENGLISH
MaeganMaeghanMeaganMeaghanMeganMeghan
Famous people named Retha
R(
Retha (historical community leader)
Retha led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.
R(
Retha (historical figure)
Retha bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Retha?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Retha also consider these
How is Retha written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Retha
What does the name Retha mean?
Retha means "a form of 'Ruth', meaning 'friend'" — a name rooted in Hebrew 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 Retha?
Retha is currently a distinctive and less common name 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 Retha?
Retha originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew 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 Retha?
Retha is a two-syllable name pronounced R EH1 T HH AA1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Retha a common or rare name?
Retha is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.