"healing, wholesome"
Origin: Greek althainein
Language: Greek
Althea
Pronunciation: [ alth-EE-uh ]
Does Althea flow with your last name?
An ancient Greek healing name with pioneering spirit
Greek
English
American
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Unique
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Meaning & Origin
"nourishing, restorative (plant name connection)"
Origin: Greek botanical
Language: Greek
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The Story of Althea
Althea comes from the Greek word althainein, meaning to heal or to make whole. In Greek mythology, Althea was the mother of Meleager, the hero of the Calydonian Boar Hunt. She possessed a magic brand whose burning would cause her son's death — a story of a mother's terrible power. The name was also borne by the water-healing plant Althaea officinalis (marshmallow), connecting it to medicinal herbalism.
Althea was most popular in the early 20th century United States, when classical Greek names were fashionable. Tennis great Althea Gibson, the first African-American to win Wimbledon (1957), gave the name a powerful athletic association. Using Althea for a boy is an unconventional choice that subverts the name's exclusively feminine history.
Althea Gibson (1927-2003) broke racial barriers in tennis, becoming the first Black player to compete at Wimbledon and the US Nationals, and ultimately winning both. This makes Althea a name associated with pioneering courage. The plant Althaea officinalis (marshmallow root) has been used in healing for over 3,000 years.
Fun Facts
- Althea Gibson was the first African-American tennis player to win Wimbledon (1957) and the US Nationals (1958)
- The marshmallow plant (Althaea officinalis) was used in ancient Egypt and Greece for its healing properties — the name shares its etymology
- In Greek mythology, Althea possessed a magic brand that controlled her son Meleager's fate, a story of maternal power and tragedy
Althea in Other Languages
Greek
Άλθεια
Latin
Althaea
French
Althée
Italian
Altea
Spanish
Altea
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Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #38,853
- Total SSA Count
- 5
- Cultural Origins
- Greek English American
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Al
Thea
Allie
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Althea
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Althea is also used as a girl name, ranked #1397.
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Same Origin Names (Greek)
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Alternative Old English interpretation origin
"hill of the people"
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Latin (via Augustus) origin
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Frequently Asked Questions About Althea
What does the name Althea mean?
"healing, wholesome" (from Greek althainein). "nourishing, restorative (plant name connection)" (from Greek botanical). Althea comes from the Greek word althainein, meaning to heal or to make whole. In Greek mythology, Althea was the mother of Meleager, the hero of the Calydonian Boar Hunt. She possessed a magic brand whose burning would cause her son's death — a story of a mother's terrible power. The name was also borne by the water-healing plant Althaea officinalis (marshmallow), connecting it to medicinal herbalism.
What is the origin of the name Althea?
Althea has Greek althainein, Greek botanical, Greek, English, and American origins. In Greek althainein, it means "healing, wholesome". In Greek botanical, it means "nourishing, restorative (plant name connection)".
Is Althea a boy or girl name?
Althea is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #38853. As a girl name, it is ranked #1397. Althea is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Althea?
Althea is pronounced alth-EE-uh.
How popular is the name Althea?
Althea is currently ranked #38853 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Althea?
Common nicknames for Althea include Thea and Allie.
What are good middle names for Althea?
Popular middle name pairings include Althea James, Althea Reed, Althea Fox, Althea Grant, Althea Blue, and Althea Wren.
What are good sibling names for Althea?
Names that pair well with Althea as siblings include Lysander, Ophelia, Theron, Cressida, Ptolemy, and Lavinia.
How many syllables does Althea have?
Althea has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Althea a common or rare name?
Althea is an uncommon name, ranked #38853 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Althea
Althea is a boy name with Greek, English, and American origins . The name means "healing, wholesome" in Greek althainein .
Is Althea a boy or girl name? Althea is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #38,853 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #1,397. Althea is more commonly used as a girl name.
Althea is currently ranked #38,853 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Althea has 3 syllables and is pronounced alth-EE-uh, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Althea include Al, Thea, and Allie. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis