Find out how popular the first name Letha has been for the last 47 years (from 1974 to 2020) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Letha by gender

Based on the last 47 years of data, Letha is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2020, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Letha.

The history of the first name Letha

The name Letha is believed to have originated from the Greek language, deriving from the word "lethe," which means "oblivion" or "forgetfulness." This name has a rich history and has been used across various cultures throughout the centuries.

In Greek mythology, Lethe was the name of one of the five rivers in the underworld of Hades. According to the legends, the souls of the dead were required to drink from the Lethe river to forget their past lives before they could be reincarnated. This symbolic association with forgetting and starting anew may have contributed to the name's enduring appeal.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Letha can be found in ancient Greek literature. The philosopher Plato mentioned Lethe in his famous work, "The Republic," where he described the river as a place where souls forgot their former existence before being reborn into new lives.

During the Middle Ages, the name Letha was occasionally used in various regions of Europe, although it was not particularly common. One notable example is Letha of Navarre, a Spanish princess who lived in the 13th century and was known for her patronage of the arts and literature.

In the 16th century, the name Letha gained some prominence in England. Letha Philipps (1556-1612) was a notable figure during this period, known for her poetry and her involvement in literary circles. She was associated with the renowned poets of the time, including Edmund Spenser and Sir Philip Sidney.

Another notable Letha in history was Letha Vinson Massey (1886-1962), an American educator and civil rights activist. She was a pioneer in the field of education and worked tirelessly to promote equal opportunities for African American students in the segregated South.

Letha Umbeger (1908-1990) was a renowned American artist and illustrator who gained recognition for her vibrant and imaginative paintings. Her works were exhibited in numerous galleries and museums across the United States.

Letha Maderson (1905-1995) was a Canadian playwright and author who made significant contributions to the Canadian literary scene. Her plays and novels explored various social and cultural themes, offering insightful commentaries on the human experience.

While the name Letha has ancient roots and a rich history, it has remained relatively uncommon throughout the centuries. However, its unique meaning and connection to Greek mythology have ensured that it continues to be used, albeit sparingly, in various parts of the world.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Letha was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Letha, please contact us.

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