Cletha is a unique and distinctive female given name of African American origin. It is believed to have been created during the early 20th century in the Southern United States, where it gained popularity among families of African descent.
The exact meaning and origin of Cletha are unclear, as it does not appear to be derived from any well-known African, English, or other Western names. Some sources suggest that Cletha may have been created by combining elements from different names, such as Clara and Edith. However, this theory is not widely accepted, and the true origins of Cletha remain shrouded in mystery.
Despite its uncertain beginnings, Cletha has been carried on by families for generations and continues to be used today. According to the Social Security Administration's data on popular baby names in the United States, Cletha was given to fewer than five girls each year between 1960 and 2018, making it a rare and distinctive name.
One notable figure with the name Cletha is Cletha Watson, an American gospel singer who gained fame in the 1950s and 1960s. Watson was born into a musical family in Louisiana and began performing at a young age. She went on to record several successful albums and toured extensively throughout her career.
Overall, Cletha is a unique and distinctive name with an uncertain history and unclear meaning. However, its rarity and African American origins make it a meaningful and significant choice for parents looking for a special name for their daughter.
Statistics for the name Cletha in the United States show a fluctuating trend over time. In 1922, there were 7 babies born with this unique name. However, four years later, the number of newborn girls named Cletha decreased to just 5 in 1924. After another decade, the popularity of the name Cletha started to regain traction as it reached its peak during the year 1934, with another 7 babies being born with this distinctive moniker.
In total, over these four years (1922-1934), there were a combined 19 births where the baby girl was named Cletha in the United States. While this might seem like a small number compared to more popular names, it's important to remember that each one of these represents a unique individual and their family's choice for her name.