Declining since 1985.
Popularity of Aretha since 1900
Babies named Aretha per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1900s | 64 |
| 1910s | 222 |
| 1920s | 344 |
| 1930s | 339 |
| 1940s | 315 |
| 1950s | 355 |
| 1960s | 2,008 |
| 1970s | 1,442 |
| 1980s | 368 |
| 1990s | 123 |
| 2000s | 30 |
| 2010s | 28 |
| 2020s | 18 |
Meaning & origin
Aretha is a name of Greek origin meaning virtue, but its modern identity is inseparable from the Queen of Soul. After first appearing in U.S. records in 1900, it saw negligible use until the 1960s, when Aretha Franklin's career took off. The name reached its peak rank in 1968, the same year Franklin won her first Grammy. It then declined steeply, and has not ranked in the top 1000 since 1985. The trajectory since that year has been falling, reflecting the fading of the name's pop-culture moment. Despite its rarity today, Aretha carries a powerful association with musical excellence and cultural impact, making it a distinctive choice for parents honoring that legacy.
Aretha is widely thought to stem from the Greek noun arete (ἀρετή), which denotes virtue, excellence, or moral fulfillment. The name appears in Greek mythology as a personification of virtue, though it was not common as a given name until modern times. Its use in the English-speaking world surged in the 20th century, propelled almost entirely by the legendary singer Aretha Franklin. The name remains closely tied to her legacy.
Where Aretha 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.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ari, Ree, Ree-Ree, Thee
Sibling names for Aretha
Names that share Aretha's style, for a brother or sister.
