Althea is a unique and elegant name of Greek origin. It means "to heal" or "wholeness", reflecting its association with the goddess Athena, who was known for her wisdom and healing powers. The name Althea has a long history and has been used throughout different cultures and periods.
In Greek mythology, Althea was the mother of Meleager, one of the heroes of the Calydonian Boar hunt. According to the legend, Althea burned the supernatural lock of hair that she had kept from her son Meleager's birth in order to save his life during a battle. However, this action ultimately led to his death.
The name Althea was also used by the Roman writer Publius Ovidius Naso, better known as Ovid, in his poem "Metamorphoses". In the poem, Althea is a nymph who transforms into a tree to escape from the unwanted attentions of a satyr.
In modern times, the name Althea has been used by several notable figures. Althea Gibson was an American tennis player and athlete who won multiple Grand Slam tournaments in both singles and doubles play during the 1950s and 1960s. She was also the first African-American to compete in a major United States tennis tournament.
Overall, Althea is a beautiful and meaningful name with a rich history and cultural significance. Its association with wisdom, healing, and strength makes it an attractive choice for parents looking for a unique and powerful name for their daughter.
Althea had 5 births annually in 1924 with a total of 5 births overall.