A 1920s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Althea since 1880
Babies named Althea per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1956, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Althea's real moment was 1920.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 156 |
| 1890s | 323 |
| 1900s | 496 |
| 1910s | 2,014 |
| 1920s | 2,591 |
| 1930s | 1,472 |
| 1940s | 1,275 |
| 1950s | 3,015 |
| 1960s | 1,791 |
| 1970s | 1,002 |
| 1980s | 592 |
| 1990s | 492 |
| 2000s | 627 |
| 2010s | 1,160 |
| 2020s | 974 |
Meaning & origin
Althea is a name of Greek origin meaning 'healer', drawn from the word althein. It first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1880, and its peak popularity came in 1920, when it ranked highest among recorded years. After a long period of relative obscurity, it has been rising again since 1995, reflecting a broader revival of vintage names with soft sounds and literary pedigree. The name was most common in Oregon (OR), Massachusetts (MA), and Colorado (CO), signaling a concentration in states with historical ties to classical and nature-inspired naming. Althea also shares its root with the marshmallow plant (Althaea officinalis), adding a gentle botanical note. For parents seeking a name that evokes healing and grace without being trendy, Althea offers a substantive legacy with a modern feel.
Althea derives from the Greek althein, 'to heal'. In Greek mythology, Althea was the mother of Meleager. The name appears in English literature as early as the 17th century and saw a revival in the 1920s, possibly due to the gentle sound and association with the flowering marshmallow plant (genus Althaea).
Where Althea is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Althea” around the world
Where Althea lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
20
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ally, Thea, Al
Sibling names for Althea
Names that share Althea's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Celia, Lydia, Marcella, Sylvia, Dorothea, Laverna, Almeda, Almeta, Audria, Delicia, Glendora, Idalia, Vernette, Aldora, Alfredia, Almedia, Alvenia, Arnetha, Claretha, Diantha, Ladora, Ledora, Lethia, Oletha, Olinda, Oretha, Valeta, Adonia, Almarie, Almena, Almina, Almyra, Alphia, Candia, Derotha, Edwinna, Eldonna, Elnoria, Glenora, Helia, Iretha, Leara, Leathia, Levita, Madora, Theona, Almetta, Altovise, Alveria, Areta, Arleatha, Armetta, Arneda, Eldena, Elveta, Euretha, Evadna, Idonia, Lenoria, Norvella, Suprena, Veleda, Venida, Wanona, Waunetta, Wynonia, Zenola
Brothers: Theodore, Julian, Silas, Leonard, Felix, Alpheus, Ariston, Theotis, Alfonzia, Attila, Philander
