Holding steady.
Popularity of Retha since 1884
Babies named Retha per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1924, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Retha's real moment was 1933.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 30 |
| 1890s | 178 |
| 1900s | 446 |
| 1910s | 1,372 |
| 1920s | 2,078 |
| 1930s | 1,868 |
| 1940s | 1,702 |
| 1950s | 1,595 |
| 1960s | 872 |
| 1970s | 257 |
| 1980s | 143 |
| 1990s | 46 |
| 2000s | 5 |
| 2010s | 5 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Retha is a name that saw its highest usage in the 1930s, peaking in 1933, a time when many similar short, sweet names were popular. Although it has not been in the top 1,000 since the mid-20th century, it has remained in occasional use, with a stable trajectory in recent decades. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1884, and while its exact origins are uncertain, it carries a vintage charm that appeals to parents seeking an uncommon but accessible name. Its simplicity and soft sound keep it a quiet choice, never widely popular but never fully forgotten.
Retha is a name of uncertain origin. It may have emerged as a diminutive or variant of Aretha, a name of Greek origin meaning 'virtue', or as a short form of Margaret, which comes from the Greek word for 'pearl'. The name gained modest use in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, peaking in popularity in the 1930s.
Where Retha 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.
Sibling names for Retha
Names that share Retha's style, for a brother or sister.
