Declining since 2022, #3,028 for girls today.
Popularity of Alethea since 1892
Babies named Alethea per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 25 |
| 1900s | 37 |
| 1910s | 154 |
| 1920s | 214 |
| 1930s | 108 |
| 1940s | 172 |
| 1950s | 464 |
| 1960s | 680 |
| 1970s | 1,215 |
| 1980s | 533 |
| 1990s | 286 |
| 2000s | 304 |
| 2010s | 360 |
| 2020s | 416 |
Meaning & origin
Alethea is a classic Greek virtue name that has remained in steady but low usage since first appearing in U.S. records in 1892. Its most popular year was 1973, and it saw a rank of 3,028 in 2025, with a frequency of about 1 in 29,764 newborns. The name has been on a falling trajectory since 2022, reflecting a broader shift away from traditional virtue names. It is most common in New York, Texas, and California, states with diverse naming trends that still embrace classical choices.
Alethea derives directly from the Greek noun ἀλήθεια (alētheia), meaning 'truth.' It was used as a virtue name by Puritans in the 17th century and later revived in the 19th century. In Greek mythology, Aletheia was the personification of truth.
Where Alethea is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Thea, Letty, Ally
Sibling names for Alethea
Names that share Alethea's style, for a brother or sister.
