Althaea is a unique and beautiful name of Greek origin. It is derived from the Greek word 'altho', which means 'to cure' or 'to heal'. The name Althaea is associated with the mythological figure Althaia, who was the mother of Meleager in Greek mythology. According to the legend, Althaia gave birth to Meleager after burning some wood from a magical tree that was said to have the power to protect her son from harm. However, she later accidentally burned the remaining wood, causing Meleager's death.
The name Althaea is not very common, but it has been used throughout history. One notable figure with this name was Althaea Brandeis, the daughter of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Louis Dembitz Brandeis. She was a prominent social worker and activist in the early 20th century.
Overall, the name Althaea is a rare and distinctive choice with a rich historical background rooted in Greek mythology. Its meaning, which signifies healing or curing, adds to its uniqueness and beauty.
Althaea is a unique and uncommon name, with only 14 babies being born with this name in the United States over the past few years. In 2019 alone, there were 7 births, followed by another 7 births in 2021. This data demonstrates that Althaea remains a distinctive choice among parents looking for an uncommon yet meaningful name for their children. Despite its rarity, this name has held steady in popularity over the past few years, indicating a consistent appreciation for it among a small but devoted group of parents.