Ritha

Meaning & origin

Ritha is a rare feminine name that appeared in U.S. records starting in 1916. It peaked in popularity in 1952, though even then it did not break into the national top 1000. The name has maintained a stable trajectory over the decades, never experiencing a sharp decline or revival. With no top states to indicate regional concentration, Ritha remains a sporadic choice across the country. As a variant of Rita, it carries the elegant meaning of 'pearl' from its Greek roots, but its rarity gives it a distinct, understated appeal. Parents today might find Ritha an unusual alternative to more common names like Rita or Margaret.

Ritha is most likely a variant spelling of Rita, itself a diminutive of Margarita, the Latin form of the Greek name Margaret, meaning 'pearl'. The name Rita gained popularity in English-speaking countries in the early 20th century, and Ritha emerged as a less common alternative spelling. It was first recorded in the United States in 1916 and saw its peak usage in 1952, though it has always been rare.