Holding steady.
Popularity of Letha since 1880
Babies named Letha per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1918, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Letha's real moment was 1903.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 433 |
| 1890s | 1,150 |
| 1900s | 1,721 |
| 1910s | 3,610 |
| 1920s | 3,767 |
| 1930s | 2,344 |
| 1940s | 1,740 |
| 1950s | 1,662 |
| 1960s | 1,511 |
| 1970s | 671 |
| 1980s | 300 |
| 1990s | 126 |
| 2000s | 46 |
| 2010s | 51 |
| 2020s | 5 |
Meaning & origin
Letha is a name that enjoyed modest popularity in the early 20th century, with its peak year in 1903. Despite falling out of regular use since then, its trajectory has been stable, with occasional renewals of interest. The name's etymology is unclear, but it may be connected to the Greek concept of truth through Alethea. Letha has a soft, vintage sound that appeals to those seeking a rare and simple name. While it never reached top-tier popularity, its historical usage offers a glimpse into naming trends of the era.
Letha is of uncertain origin. It may be a variant of Leta, which could derive from the Greek name Alethea, meaning 'truth'. Alternatively, it might be a short form of names such as Letha itself or a feminine form of Leith. The name saw modest use in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in the United States, reaching its peak popularity in 1903. Since then, it has declined and remains rare today.
Where Letha 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: Lee, Lethy
Sibling names for Letha
Names that share Letha's style, for a brother or sister.
