Rhea is a feminine given name of Greek origin and signification. It is derived from the ancient Greek word "rheia," which means "flowing" or "current." The name Rhea is also associated with the Titans in Greek mythology, particularly Rhea, the wife of Cronus and mother of Zeus, Poseidon, Hades, Demeter, Hestia, and Hera. In Roman mythology, Rhea Silvia was the mother of Romulus and Remus, who were said to have founded Rome. Throughout history, Rhea has been a popular name among royalty and nobility, with notable bearers including Queen Rhea of Sicilian origin and Rhea of Thuringia, a duchess in medieval Germany. Today, Rhea continues to be used as a given name for girls, often chosen for its distinctive sound and Greek mythological associations. However, it remains relatively uncommon compared to other popular girl names.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Rhea has seen a varied level of popularity over the years in the United States. The earliest record dates back to 1896 with just 5 births that year. The number of babies named Rhea fluctuated significantly throughout the early to mid-20th century.
The highest peak in popularity occurred in 1920, with 16 births that year. This was followed by another peak in 1925, with 16 births again. However, after this point, the number of babies named Rhea began to decline steadily. There were only 8 births in 1940 and this number continued to decrease until it reached a low of just 5 births in 2004.
Overall, there have been a total of 408 births of the name Rhea recorded in the United States since 1896. While the name has not been consistently popular over time, it has had periods of notable popularity, particularly in the early to mid-20th century. Despite the decline in recent years, there is still a significant number of individuals named Rhea living in the United States today.