Holding steady.
Popularity of Lethia since 1886
Babies named Lethia per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1917, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Lethia's real moment was 1893.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 7 |
| 1890s | 71 |
| 1900s | 83 |
| 1910s | 170 |
| 1920s | 150 |
| 1930s | 107 |
| 1940s | 102 |
| 1950s | 112 |
| 1960s | 120 |
| 1970s | 53 |
| 1980s | 6 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 6 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Lethia is a distinctive and rare name that first appeared in U.S. records in 1886. Its peak year was 1893, after which its usage steadily declined and has remained extremely low. The name's trajectory has been stable since, meaning it has not seen a revival. Lethia may be connected to the Greek concept of forgetfulness or as a variant of the joyful name Letitia. While it lacks clear top state associations, its historical presence in the late 19th century gives it a vintage charm. Parents seeking an unusual name with classical roots might find Lethia an intriguing choice, though its obscurity means it is not often encountered today.
Lethia is a rare name of uncertain origin. It may be derived from the Greek word lēthē (λήθη), meaning 'forgetfulness' or 'oblivion', which appears in mythology as the river Lethe in Hades. Alternatively, it could be a variant of Letitia or Leticia, from Latin laetitia meaning 'joy, happiness'. The name gained some visibility in the late 19th century in the United States, with its peak usage in 1893, but has since fallen out of common use.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lettie, Leth
Sibling names for Lethia
Names that share Lethia's style, for a brother or sister.
