Find out how popular the first name Oletha has been for the last 6 years (from 1975 to 1980) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Oletha by gender

Based on the last 6 years of data, Oletha is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1980, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Oletha.

The history of the first name Oletha

The name Oletha is thought to have originated from the Greek language, derived from the word "olethros," which means "ruin" or "destruction." The name's roots can be traced back to ancient Greece, where it was likely used, although its precise origin and meaning are not entirely clear.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Oletha appears in ancient Greek literature, specifically in the works of the poet Hesiod, who lived around the 8th century BC. In his epic poem "Works and Days," Hesiod mentions a character named Oletha, though little is known about the context or significance of this reference.

During the medieval period, the name Oletha seems to have fallen out of common usage, with few recorded instances of individuals bearing this name. However, it resurfaced in the 16th century, when a woman named Oletha Willoughby was mentioned in historical records from England, born around 1520.

In the 17th century, a notable figure named Oletha Cromwell, born in 1620, was a distant relative of the English military and political leader Oliver Cromwell. Little is known about her life, but her name serves as an example of the name's continued use during this period.

Moving into the 18th century, a woman named Oletha Fitzpatrick, born in 1745 in Ireland, gained some recognition as a poet and writer, although her works have been largely forgotten over time.

In the 19th century, the name Oletha saw a resurgence in popularity, with several notable individuals bearing this name. One such person was Oletha Rosemond, an American abolitionist and women's rights activist born in 1825. She was a vocal advocate for the abolition of slavery and played an active role in the Underground Railroad.

Another prominent figure from this era was Oletha Cunningham, born in 1840 in Scotland. She was a pioneering educator and author who wrote several influential books on childhood education and development.

As the 20th century approached, the name Oletha continued to be used, although it remained relatively uncommon. One notable bearer of this name was Oletha Fiske, an American artist and sculptor born in 1892. Her works were exhibited in various galleries and museums across the United States.

While the name Oletha has ancient roots and has been used throughout history, it has never achieved widespread popularity and remains a relatively uncommon name in modern times.

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 Oletha was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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