Holding steady.
Popularity of Thera since 1899
Babies named Thera per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1982, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Thera's real moment was 1899.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 11 |
| 1900s | 49 |
| 1910s | 106 |
| 1920s | 147 |
| 1930s | 90 |
| 1940s | 84 |
| 1950s | 53 |
| 1960s | 36 |
| 1970s | 86 |
| 1980s | 183 |
| 1990s | 19 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 12 |
| 2020s | 16 |
Meaning & origin
The name Thera is a rare and intriguing choice for a girl, with origins that are somewhat mysterious. First recorded in the United States in 1899, it saw its peak year of usage that same year, after which it fell into obscurity. According to Social Security data, the name did not achieve a rank or a measurable one-in-N frequency in any year. Its trajectory is considered stable, meaning it has rarely appeared year over year. Thera is not associated with any top states, indicating its usage has been scattered and minimal. The name's etymology is debated: it may be a direct reference to the Greek island of Thera (now Santorini), known for its volcanic history, or it could derive from the Greek word 'ther' meaning 'wild animal.' Alternatively, it might have been used as a short form of Therese or Theodora. Despite its rarity, Thera has a soft, classic sound that appeals to parents seeking an uncommon name with ancient roots.
The etymology of Thera is uncertain. The name may derive from the Greek word 'ther' (wild animal), or it could be a given name taken from the ancient island of Thera (modern Santorini) in Greece. Thera is also used as a short form of names like Therese or Theodora, but as an independent name in the United States, it was first recorded in 1899 with a peak year that same year.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Thee
Sibling names for Thera
Names that share Thera's style, for a brother or sister.
