Arethia is a unique and beautiful name of Greek origin. It means "very strong" or "very brave," which reflects the formidable nature associated with this name. In Greek mythology, Arethia was the daughter of King Minos and Queen Pasiphae of Crete. She is best known for being the half-sister of the Minotaur, a fearsome creature that dwelt within the Labyrinth.
The name Arethia is not particularly common, but it has been used throughout history. One notable figure was Arethusa, a nymph in Greek mythology who was transformed into a fountain to escape the pursuit of the river god Alpheus. This story is immortalized in Ovid's "Metamorphoses."
Today, Arethia remains an uncommon yet captivating name choice for parents looking for something distinctive and meaningful for their daughter. It rolls off the tongue with elegance and carries a strong historical significance that can inspire curiosity and admiration. Despite its rarity, Arethia has the potential to become a popular name due to its unique sound and powerful meaning.
The name Arethia has a unique history of usage in the United States. According to the available records, there were five babies named Arethia born in 1928 and again in 1963. The name's popularity then peaked with eight births recorded in 1967, followed by two more years with five births each in 1968 and 1971.
Over this span of four decades, from 1928 to 1971, a total of 28 babies were named Arethia. This data suggests that while the name was not exceptionally common during these years, it did maintain a consistent presence among newborns across different eras.