Anthea is a unique and elegant female given name of Greek origin. It comes from the Greek word "antheia," which means "flowerlike." The name was used in ancient Greece to refer to flowers, and it has since evolved into a beautiful and distinctive name for girls.
The earliest known record of the name Anthea dates back to the 16th century, where it appeared as a given name in the works of English poet Edmund Spenser. However, it wasn't until the late Victorian era that the name began to gain popularity among parents looking for distinctive names for their daughters.
Today, Anthea continues to be relatively rare compared to other popular girls' names, but it remains beloved by those who appreciate its unique origins and lovely meaning. It is often spelled in a variety of ways, including Antheia, Anthéa, and even Antaya, but regardless of spelling, the name maintains its elegant, flowerlike qualities.
In summary, Anthea is a beautiful and distinctive female given name of Greek origin that means "flowerlike." While it has been in use for centuries, it remains relatively rare today, making it an excellent choice for parents looking for something unique and meaningful.
The name Anthea has seen a varied trend in its usage over the years in the United States, with peaks and troughs occurring at different intervals.
In the early to mid-20th century, Anthea was used sparingly, with fewer than 10 births recorded each year from 1932 to 1968. However, there were notable spikes in usage during this period, such as the 14 births recorded in both 1959 and 1960.
The name began to gain more popularity in the late 1960s and early 1970s, with over 10 births recorded each year from 1968 onwards. This trend continued throughout the 1970s and into the early 1980s, with peaks such as the 18 births in both 1981 and 1982.
However, usage of the name Anthea declined again in the mid-1980s, with fewer than 10 births recorded each year from 1986 to 1992. The name began to see a resurgence in popularity in the late 1990s and into the early 2000s, with peaks such as the 18 births recorded in both 2000 and 2004.
More recently, Anthea has continued to be used consistently, with over 10 births recorded each year from 2015 onwards. The name reached a recent peak in popularity in 2023, with 16 births recorded.
Overall, while the usage of the name Anthea has varied over the years, it has seen periods of consistent popularity and remains a distinctive choice for parents looking for a unique name for their daughter.