Thera is a feminine given name of Greek origin. It means "monster" or "beast," and is most famously associated with the mythical creature called the Chimera, which was a fire-breathing hybrid of a lioness, goat, and serpent. According to Greek mythology, this fearsome beast was eventually slain by the hero Bellerophon riding on his winged horse, Pegasus.
The name Thera is also associated with the island of Santorini in Greece, which was known as Thera in ancient times. This volcanic island is famous for its breathtaking landscapes and stunning sunsets, and has been a popular tourist destination for many years.
In recent decades, the name Thera has gained popularity as a given name for girls. It is considered unique and distinctive, while also having a strong connection to Greek mythology and history. However, despite its growing usage, it remains relatively uncommon compared to other names with similar meanings, such as Beatrice or Seraphina.
The name Thera has been given to a total of 887 babies born in the United States since 1899, according to the available data.
From 1899 to 1946, there was a significant decline in the number of babies named Thera each year. The highest number of births recorded during this period was 22 in 1921, but by 1946, only 5 babies were named Thera.
There was then a brief uptick in popularity for the name between 1947 and 1950, with 12 births recorded in 1949 and 10 births in 1950. However, the number of births steadily decreased after this period, reaching a low of just 3 babies named Thera in 1962.
The popularity of the name Thera fluctuated significantly throughout the second half of the 20th century, with some years seeing no recorded births at all. The highest number of births during this time was 31 in 1982, but this was an anomaly and the popularity of the name has remained relatively low since then.
More recently, there have been occasional spikes in popularity for the name Thera, with 7 births recorded in 2019 and 6 births in 2021. However, overall, the name remains quite uncommon in the United States.
It is worth noting that these statistics are based on available data and may not include all births of babies named Thera during this time period. Additionally, these numbers only reflect births in the United States and do not account for births that may have occurred outside of the country.
Despite its relatively low popularity, the name Thera has a unique and distinctive sound that sets it apart from other names. For parents looking for an uncommon but meaningful name for their child, Thera could be an excellent choice.