Lethea is a unique and uncommon feminine given name of Greek origin. Its meaning is derived from the Greek word "lethe," which translates to "forgetfulness" or "oblivion." According to Greek mythology, Lethe was one of the five rivers that flowed through Hades, the underworld. It was believed that drinking from the river Lethe caused individuals to forget their past lives and experiences.
The name Lethea is not particularly popular in modern times, with only a handful of people bearing this name worldwide. However, its rarity contributes to its charm and allure for those who appreciate distinctive names with rich historical and mythological backgrounds.
In literature, the name Lethea has been used by authors such as H.P. Lovecraft in his novella "The Dream-Quest of Unknown Kadath," where it is mentioned among other strange and mysterious names associated with the dream realm. This further adds to its enigmatic appeal and fascination for those interested in mythology, literature, or unique naming choices.
In summary, Lethea is a rare and captivating feminine name of Greek origin, derived from the mythical river Lethe. Its meaning relates to forgetfulness or oblivion, and it has been featured in works of literature that explore the realms of dreams and mystery. Despite its rarity, Lethea remains an intriguing choice for those seeking a distinctive and historically significant name.
Statistics on the given name Lethea show a varied history of popularity in the United States over the past century. Between the years 1911 and 2020, there have been a total of 54 babies born with the name Lethea.
The name's peak popularity occurred during the mid-20th century, with seven births each in both 1950 and 1959. This period also saw an increase in overall birth numbers across the country, which may contribute to this spike in occurrences of the name Lethea.
However, there have been fluctuations throughout the years. In some years, such as 1921, 1963, and 1970, only five babies were named Lethea. Other years saw a slight increase, like 1923 and 1929 with six births each.
Overall, while not one of the most popular names, Lethea has maintained a consistent presence among baby name choices in the United States over the past century. Each child bearing this unique name is another instance of parents choosing to honor this distinct moniker.