Reatha is a unique and distinctive given name of American origin. It is not a common name and its exact origins are unknown, but it is believed to have been created as a variation of the name Reatha, which means "happiness" in Hebrew.
The name Reatha was popularized in the early 20th century by the famous American actress, Reatha Watson. She was born Reatha Elizabeth Watson on January 15, 1907, in Kansas City, Missouri. Watson was a prominent figure in the silent film era and appeared in numerous films alongside some of Hollywood's biggest stars.
It is unclear whether Watson's parents chose the name Reatha specifically for its Hebrew meaning or if it was simply a family name that they passed down to their daughter. Regardless of its origins, the name Reatha has since become synonymous with Watson herself and her contributions to early American cinema.
Today, the name Reatha is still relatively rare but continues to be used by parents who wish to give their daughters a unique and meaningful name. While it may not have the same level of popularity as other names with similar meanings such as Joy or Gladness, those who choose the name Reatha for their daughter are likely drawn to its distinctive sound and its connection to American history through Reatha Watson's legacy in film.
In conclusion, while the origins of the name Reatha are somewhat mysterious, it is clear that this unique and meaningful name has left a lasting impact on American culture and continues to be chosen by parents who wish to give their daughters a special name with a rich history.
The name Reatha has seen a varied history of usage in the United States over the past century and a half. With its first recorded birth in 1893, Reatha started off strong with five births that year. The name then experienced several peaks and valleys in popularity throughout the early 1900s.
In 1900, there were 19 births bearing the name Reatha, which was a significant increase from previous years. However, the following year saw a dip to just six births. This pattern of fluctuation continued until the 1920s when the name began to gain more traction. Between 1920 and 1926, there were an average of 57 births per year with Reatha as the given name.
The mid-1920s marked a turning point for Reatha's popularity. Between 1927 and 1934, there was an average of 51 births per year, indicating that the name had established itself as somewhat common during this period. However, from 1935 onwards, Reatha's popularity began to wane once again.
In the 1930s and 1940s, the annual number of births with the name Reatha averaged around 42 per year. While this was still a notable figure, it was significantly lower than the heights reached in the early 1920s. This downward trend continued into the 1950s when there were only an average of 38 births per year bearing the name Reatha.
The 1960s and 1970s saw a further decline in the popularity of the name Reatha, with fewer than ten births recorded each year between 1962 and 1974. The name then all but disappeared from use in the United States, with only five or six births per year recorded between 1977 and 1988.
Despite its decline in popularity over recent decades, Reatha remains a unique and historic name with a fascinating story behind its usage in the United States. In total, there have been 2624 births registered with the name Reatha since record-keeping began. While it may not be as popular today as it was in the early 20th century, Reatha remains an important part of American naming history and continues to carry a certain cachet as a vintage name choice.