Eartha is a unique and captivating name of African American origin. It was coined by legendary jazz singer Eartha Kitt, who added the 'h' to her given name, Catherine, to create her stage persona. The name Eartha has since gained popularity as a distinctive choice for parents seeking an uncommon yet meaningful moniker.
The meaning behind Eartha is deeply connected to its roots. Derived from the word "earth," it symbolizes grounding, stability, and connection to nature. In African American culture, the name also carries associations with strength, resilience, and pride in one's heritage. The addition of the 'h' by Eartha Kitt further emphasized her charisma and individuality.
The history of the name Eartha is intrinsically linked to its most famous bearer, Eartha Kitt. Born in South Carolina during the Great Depression, Kitt overcame a difficult childhood to become an acclaimed singer, actress, and civil rights activist. Her powerful performances and bold personality made her an icon of the mid-20th century entertainment industry.
Today, Eartha continues to be admired as a unique and powerful name choice. It is often favored by parents seeking to honor African American culture or wanting to give their child a distinctive identity. While it may not be as common as more traditional names, Eartha's rich history and meaningful symbolism make it an appealing option for those looking for something truly special.
Based on the statistics provided, we can observe several trends related to the number of births given the name Eartha in the United States over time.
The name Eartha first appeared with five births each year in 1905 and 1907. This frequency then fluctuated between five and ten births per year until 1918, when it began to increase more significantly.
From 1919 onwards, we see a steady rise in the number of newborn girls named Eartha. The peak occurs in 1954 with 93 births that year. This marked an all-time high for the name's popularity during this period.
After reaching its zenith in 1954, the popularity of the name Eartha started declining gradually. By 1970, fewer than 25 girls were named Eartha annually. Between 1986 and 1992, there were only six births each year with the name Eartha.
In more recent years, specifically in 2020, there were five recorded births for the name Eartha. This indicates that while the name may not be as popular now as it was during its peak in the mid-20th century, it still retains some level of use today.
Overall, throughout this period spanning over a century, approximately 2920 girls born in the United States have been given the name Eartha.