Retha is a unique and beautiful name of Hebrew origin. It means "counsel" or "advice," which suggests wisdom and intelligence. The name is not particularly common, but it has been used throughout history, often by individuals who have made significant contributions to society.
The earliest known usage of the name Retha can be traced back to ancient Mesopotamia, where it was borne by a woman who served as a counselor to Queen Semiramis. Throughout history, there have been several notable figures with this name, including Retha von Stein, an 18th-century German noblewoman and patron of the arts, and Retha McNutt, an American social reformer and suffragist in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Despite its rich history, Retha remains a relatively uncommon name today. However, it continues to be associated with intelligence, wisdom, and strength of character, making it an attractive choice for parents looking for a distinctive yet meaningful name for their daughter.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Retha has seen a significant decrease in popularity over the past century in the United States.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the number of babies named Retha varied year by year but remained relatively stable. The highest point was reached in 1918 with 218 births, followed by a peak of 252 births in 1924.
However, from the mid-20th century onwards, there has been a steady decline in the number of babies named Retha. By the 1970s, the figure had dropped to an average of around 30 births per year. This continued trend is evident in the data up until the 1990s, with only five births recorded each year between 1992 and 2001.
Since then, there have been no reported births named Retha in the United States based on available records from 2001 to present day. In total, over the period of 1884 to 2014, there were 10597 babies named Retha born in the United States.
This data suggests that while the name Retha was once popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it has since become quite rare. It is important to note that these statistics are based on available records and may not be exhaustive. Additionally, they do not account for variations or misspellings of the name which could potentially skew the results.