Aretha
Aretha is a girl's name of Greek origin.
Meaning
Virtuous, excellent, or best.
Origin and history
Aretha is a feminine name of Greek origin, traditionally derived from Arete, meaning 'virtue' or 'excellence'. The name achieved global recognition through American singer Aretha Franklin, the 'Queen of Soul'. In the United States, it enjoyed peak popularity in the late 1960s and early 1970s and remains a distinct, iconic choice.
Popularity in the United States
5,656 babies in the United States have been named Aretha since 1880. It ranks #2277 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #2083.
States where it is most popular
- GA (10.3 %)
- TX (9.2 %)
- MS (9.1 %)
- AL (8.7 %)
- IL (7.7 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 0 |
| 1900-1910 | 64 |
| 1910-1920 | 222 |
| 1920-1930 | 344 |
| 1930-1940 | 339 |
| 1940-1950 | 315 |
| 1950-1960 | 355 |
| 1960-1970 | 2,008 |
| 1970-1980 | 1,442 |
| 1980-1990 | 368 |
| 1990-2000 | 123 |
| 2000-2010 | 30 |
| 2010-2019 | 28 |
| 2020-2029 | 18 |
Famous people named Aretha
- Aretha Franklin: Singer, Songwriter
Nicknames
Retha, Ree
Fun facts
- The name experienced a massive surge in usage in the late 1960s following Aretha Franklin's iconic music releases.
- The name shares etymological origins with the Greek concept of 'Arete', representing moral virtue and fulfillment of potential.