If you’re considering the name Althea for your baby girl, you might be wondering about its meaning and origin. Althea is a beautiful name with a rich history and symbolism that could make it a perfect choice for your little one. In this article, we’ll explore the meaning and significance of the name Althea and its origins in Greek mythology.
Althea is a Greek name that means “with healing power.” It is derived from the Greek word “althos,” which means “healing.” The name is often associated with the marshmallow plant, which has healing properties and was used in ancient times to soothe sore throats and other ailments. In Greek mythology, Althea was the mother of Meleager, a hero who fought in the Calydonian Boar Hunt. Her name is also associated with the goddess of healing, Hygeia.
Origin of Althea
Althea is a name of Greek origin, which means “with healing power.” It is a poetic and almost ethereal name that has been popular for centuries. The name is associated with Greek mythology, pastoral poetry, and modern-day sports.
Greek Mythology
In Greek mythology, Althea was the mother of Meleager. She was the daughter of King Thestius and Eurythemis. At the time of Meleager’s birth, the Fates predicted that he would die when a piece of wood burning in the fire was consumed. Althea immediately took the wood and put it in a chest, hoping to protect her son. However, years later, Meleager killed his uncles in a fit of rage, and Althea, in her anger, burned the piece of wood, causing her son’s death.
Biblical References
There is no direct reference to the name Althea in the Bible. However, the name is derived from the Greek word “althainein,” which means “to heal.” In the Bible, there are several references to healing and the power of God to heal. For example, in James 5:14-15, it says, “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up.”
In conclusion, the name Althea has a rich history and meaning. It is a name that has been associated with healing and strength for centuries. Whether you choose this name for your child because of its Greek mythology or biblical references, it is a name that will inspire and empower.
Meaning of Althea
Althea is a beautiful name that has a rich history and meaning. In this section, we will explore the different interpretations of the name Althea.
Literal Translation
The name Althea is of Greek origin and means “with healing power.” It is derived from the Greek word “althos,” which means “healing.” In Greek mythology, Althea was the mother of Meleager. After her son was born, she was told that he would die as soon as a piece of wood that was burning on her fire was fully consumed. To prevent this, Althea took the wood and put it out. However, years later, Meleager killed his uncles in a fit of rage, and Althea avenged their deaths by burning the piece of wood. This caused Meleager’s death, and Althea was overcome with grief.
Symbolic Interpretation
The name Althea can also be interpreted symbolically. It is associated with the marshmallow plant, which has been used for centuries to treat various ailments. The marshmallow plant has a soft, soothing texture and is used to make a sweet, healing tea. In this way, the name Althea can be seen as representing healing and comfort.
Moreover, the name Althea can be associated with the concept of justice. In Greek mythology, Althea was a justice-dealer who revoked the life of her own son when he killed her brothers. This interpretation of the name Althea suggests that it represents a strong sense of morality and fairness.
In conclusion, the name Althea has a rich history and meaning. It is associated with healing, comfort, and justice. Whether you choose this name for your child because of its literal translation or symbolic interpretation, it is sure to be a name that carries deep significance.
Popularity of Althea
Althea is a beautiful name with Greek origins that means “with healing power” or “wholesome.” While the name has been around for centuries, it has seen a bit of a resurgence in popularity in recent years.
According to BabyCenter user data, Althea was ranked #1140 in popularity for baby girl names in 2023, a drop of 52 spots from the previous year. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean the name is losing popularity overall. In fact, the name has been steadily rising in popularity since 2020.
Althea is a name that has been popular in the Philippines for many years, and it is also gaining popularity in other parts of the world. In the United States, the name has been used for several notable figures, including the first African-American tennis player to win at Wimbledon, Althea Gibson.
Overall, Althea is a lovely name that is both unique and meaningful. Its growing popularity is a testament to its beauty and the positive associations it carries.
Famous People Named Althea
Althea is a unique name that has been given to many notable individuals throughout history. Here are a few famous people named Althea:
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Althea Gibson – Althea Gibson was an African-American tennis player who was the first black athlete to win a Grand Slam title. She won the French Open in 1956 and Wimbledon in 1957 and 1958, and was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1971.
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Althea Flynt – Althea Flynt was the fourth wife of Larry Flynt, the publisher of Hustler magazine. She was also involved in the management of the magazine and appeared in several of its photo spreads. She died in 1987 at the age of 33.
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Althea Braithwaite – Althea Braithwaite was an English children’s author, illustrator, publisher, and glass artist. She wrote and illustrated several books for children, including “The Little Grey Men” and “The Borrowers Aloft.”
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Althea Currier – Althea Currier was an American glamour model and actress who appeared in several films in the 1950s and 1960s. She was also a Playboy Playmate of the Month in October 1958.
These are just a few examples of the many famous people who have been named Althea throughout history.
Variations of Althea
Althea is a beautiful and unique name that has been used for centuries. As with many names, variations of Althea have been created over time. Here are some of the variations of Althea that you might come across:
- Aleta: This name is a diminutive of Althea and means “winged.”
- Aletha: This name is a variation of Althea and means “truthful one.”
- Alethea: This name is a variation of Althea and means “truth.”
- Aletta: This name is a variation of Althea and means “winged.”
- Aldith: This name is a variation of Althea and means “old battle.”
- Aleda: This name is a variation of Althea and means “small winged one.”
- Athea: This name is a variation of Althea and means “healer.”
It’s interesting to see how the variations of Althea have evolved over time. Each variation has its own unique meaning and history, but they all share the same basic roots. Whether you choose to name your child Althea or one of its variations, you can be sure that you’re giving them a name with a rich and meaningful history.
Overall, Althea and its variations are beautiful names that are sure to stand out. If you’re looking for a unique and meaningful name for your child, Althea and its variations are definitely worth considering.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the name Althea has a rich history and meaning. It is a Greek name that means “with healing power” or “healer.” The name has been associated with Greek mythology and pastoral poetry, and in modern times, it is also linked to the great tennis player Althea Gibson, the first African-American to win at Wimbledon.
Choosing a name for your child is a significant decision, and Althea is a beautiful option that carries a positive connotation. It is a name that is both unique and timeless, and it has been growing in popularity in recent years.
If you are considering naming your child Althea, it is worth noting that the name has several variations, including Althaea and Athea. Additionally, there are many famous people with the name Althea, including musicians, athletes, and writers.
Overall, the name Althea is a lovely choice for parents looking for a name with a meaningful history and a positive connotation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are nicknames for Althea?
Some common nicknames for Althea include Thea, Allie, and Al.
Is Althea a rare name?
Yes, Althea is considered a relatively rare name. It is not among the top 1000 most popular baby names in the United States.
What nationality is the name Althea?
The name Althea has Greek origins.
What does the name Althea mean?
The name Althea means “with healing power” in Greek.
What is the origin of the name Althea?
The name Althea is derived from the Greek name Althaea, which is possibly related to the Greek word “althos” meaning “healing”.
Is the name Althea in the Bible?
No, the name Althea is not mentioned in the Bible.