Athena is a name of Greek origin that means "wise". In Greek mythology, Athena was the goddess of wisdom and courage. She was also known as one of the virgin goddesses, along with Artemis and Hestia. According to legend, Athena sprang fully grown and armored from her father Zeus' forehead after he swallowed his pregnant wife Metis who was destined to bear a child greater than its father.
Athena was revered as the patron goddess of various cities in ancient Greece, including Athens, which was named after her. She was also considered the protector of heroes such as Odysseus and Heracles. Athena is often depicted in art and literature as being calm and wise, reflecting her role as a god of wisdom.
The name Athena has been used throughout history by notable figures, including Saint Athanasius, an early church father who played a significant role in the Council of Nicaea, and Athene Noack, a Danish actress known for her work in theater and film. Today, Athena remains a popular name choice for girls around the world, particularly in Greece and other European countries.
The name Atha has been given to a total of 99 babies born in the United States over the years. The earliest recorded birth was in 1885 with only five occurrences. There were several periods where the name became more popular, such as between 1914 and 1921 when it was given to at least eight children each year.
Interestingly, from 1924 onwards, there is a consistent pattern of around five births per year until 1931. There was then a gap before the name re-emerged in popularity again in 1937 with six births recorded that year. This trend continued sporadically over the decades, with a noticeable spike in 1942 and 1949, each with five births.
Overall, while Atha may not have been one of the most popular names throughout history, it has had periods of consistent usage, making it a distinctive choice for parents seeking something unique.