“a form of 'Ruth', meaning 'friend'” — Associated with loyalty
Hebrew origin · Girl name
♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls
#1344US 2023
856Births / yr
→Stable
10.6kAll-time births
📅 Since 188400.02% of births at peak
How to pronounce Retha
RETH·AH
/ˈrɛth.ˈɑ/ · stress on RETH · 2 syllables
“a form of 'Ruth', meaning 'friend'”
Associated with loyalty · Hebrew origin
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'.
Holding steady — currently #1344 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
US Trend 1885–2023#1344 · Top 0.99%
1940
1945
1950
1955
1960
1965
1970
1975
1980
1985
1990
1995
2021
2022
2023
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
—
Name Popularity Timeline
Popularity Statistics for Retha
1935Rank #458
856
#2019
↘Falling
1900 - 202323 years
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.
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.
Sibling names that pair with Retha
For a sister
Retha & Elizabeth♡
Retha & Eva♡
Retha & Esther♡
Retha & Miriam♡
For a brother
Retha & Joseph♡
Retha & Esther♡
Retha & Miriam♡
Retha & Simon♡
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