"healer, one who makes whole"
Origin: Greek (althainein — to heal)
Language: English
Althea
Pronunciation: [ alth-EE-uh ]
Girl Name
#1,397 Most Popular
Hidden Gem
3 Syllables
Ancient healer, literary muse, tennis icon
Greek
English
African-American
Elegant
Literary
Vintage
Sophisticated
Meaning & Origin
"wholesome, thriving"
Origin: Ancient Greek
Language: Greek
The Story of Althea
Althea derives from the Greek 'althainein' meaning to heal or to make whole, related to the word for the marshmallow plant (Althaea officinalis), which was used medicinally in antiquity. In Greek mythology, Althaea was the mother of Meleager, a hero of the Calydonian Boar Hunt. The name carries a beautiful double meaning — both the act of healing and the wholeness that results from being healed.
Althea enjoyed usage in 17th-century English poetry (Richard Lovelace's 'To Althea, from Prison' is one of English literature's most quoted poems) and remained a distinctive choice through the 19th century. It's seeing a modern revival as parents seek Greek and botanical names with literary depth.
Tennis legend Althea Gibson broke racial barriers when she became the first Black athlete to compete at the US National Championships in 1950 and later won Wimbledon in 1957 and 1958. Her name is synonymous with courage, excellence, and the shattering of prejudice in American sports.
Fun Facts
- Althea Gibson was the first African American to win Wimbledon (1957) and the US National Championships, opening professional tennis to Black athletes
- Richard Lovelace's 1642 poem 'To Althea, from Prison' contains the immortal line: 'Stone walls do not a prison make, nor iron bars a cage'
Althea in Other Languages
Greek
Αλθαία
French
Althée
German
Althea
Italian
Altea
Spanish
Altea
Famous People Named Althea
A
Althea Flynt
Business
1953
Wife of Hustler magazine publisher Larry Flynt, who became a prominent figure in 1970s American legal history
A
Althea Gibson
Athlete
1927
American tennis and golf champion who broke racial barriers, becoming the first Black player to win Wimbledon and the US...
American tennis and golf champion who broke racial barriers, becoming the first Black player to win Wimbledon and the US National Championships
A
Althaea Fictional
Other
Queen of Calydon in Greek mythology and mother of hero Meleager, whose fate she controlled through a magical brand
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #1,397
- Total SSA Count
- 160
- Cultural Origins
- Greek English African-American
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Thea
Al
Allie
Pairs Well With
Althea Rose
Althea Jane
Althea Grace
Althea Fern
Althea Violet
Althea Pearl
Althea Simone
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Althea is also used as a boy name, ranked #38853.
View Althea as a boy name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Althea
What does the name Althea mean?
"healer, one who makes whole" (from Greek (althainein — to heal)). "wholesome, thriving" (from Ancient Greek). Althea derives from the Greek 'althainein' meaning to heal or to make whole, related to the word for the marshmallow plant (Althaea officinalis), which was used medicinally in antiquity. In Greek mythology, Althaea was the mother of Meleager, a hero of the Calydonian Boar Hunt. The name carries a beautiful double meaning — both the act of healing and the wholeness that results from being healed.
What is the origin of the name Althea?
Althea has Greek (althainein — to heal), Ancient Greek, Greek, English, and African-American origins. In Greek (althainein — to heal), it means "healer, one who makes whole". In Ancient Greek, it means "wholesome, thriving".
Is Althea a boy or girl name?
Althea is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #1397. As a boy name, it is ranked #38853. 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 #1397 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Althea?
Common nicknames for Althea include Thea, Al, and Allie.
What are good middle names for Althea?
Popular middle name pairings include Althea Rose, Althea Jane, Althea Grace, Althea Fern, Althea Violet, Althea Pearl, and Althea Simone.
What are good sibling names for Althea?
Names that pair well with Althea as siblings include Thea, Cordelia, Lavinia, Cassius, Lysander, Ophelia, Aurelia, and Leander.
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 #1397 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Althea
Althea is a girl name with Greek, English, and African-American origins . The name means "healer, one who makes whole" in Greek (althainein — to heal) .
Is Althea a boy or girl name? Althea is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #1,397 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #38,853. Althea is more commonly used as a girl name.
Althea is currently ranked #1,397 in popularity for girl 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 Thea, Al, and Allie. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.