Althea

Girl Name
Origin:greek
Pronunciation:/ælˈθiː.ə/

Althea: a female name of Greek origin meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Althaíā (Ἀλθαίᾱ),” meaning “one who heals, the one who takes care,” which in turn derives from “althos (ἀλθος),” meaning “healing, cure, a remedy". It derives from the Greek word "althos > Althaíā".

In Greek tradition, Althea holds special significance as a feminine name representing This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Althaíā (Ἀλθαίᾱ),” meaning “one who heals, the one who takes care,” which in turn derives from “althos (ἀλθος),” meaning “healing, cure, a remedy. This name has been cherished across generations, carrying with it the wisdom and heritage of Greek culture. Its enduring popularity speaks to its universal resonance.

Quick Facts About Althea

Quick facts about Althea
OriginGreek
GenderGirl name
PopularityModerately popular

Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team

Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.

Last reviewed: November 2025

Meaning

This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Althaíā (Ἀλθαίᾱ),” meaning “one who heals, the one who takes care,” which in turn derives from “althos (ἀλθος),” meaning “healing, cure, a remedy.” In Greek mythology, Althaea is the daughter of King Thestius and Eurythemis and was sister to Leda, Hypermnestra, Iphiclus, Euippus. She was also the wife of Oeneus, king of Calydon, and mother of five sons, Meleager, Melanippe (one of the Meleagrids), Toxeus, Thyreus, Clymenus, and two daughters, Deianeira and Gorge. Althaea is a plant genus of the Malvaceae family. It includes between 6-12 species. The most famous and used is the Althaea Officinalis, used for medicinal properties (e.g., it is useful as a calming agent).

Etymology & Details

Name Root

althos > Althaíā

How to Pronounce Althea

Althea is pronounced /ælˈθiː.ə/(English)

Step-by-step pronunciation guide:

  1. Break it into syllables: Alt-hea
  2. Say it like: "ALT-HEA"
  3. Practice saying it naturally a few times

Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources

Usage & Popularity

Althea enjoys international appeal, used in 5 different linguistic and cultural contexts including ancient Greek (Latinized), norwegian, swedish, and many others. This widespread adoption reflects its universal resonance.

ancient Greek (Latinized)norwegianswedishdanishfinnish
Frequently Asked Questions About Althea
What does the name Althea mean?
Althea means "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Althaíā (Ἀλθαίᾱ),” meaning “one who heals, the one who takes care,” which in turn derives from “althos (ἀλθος),” meaning “healing, cure, a remedy.” In Greek mythology, Althaea is the daughter of King Thestius and Eurythemis and was sister to Leda, Hypermnestra, Iphiclus, Euippus. She was also the wife of Oeneus, king of Calydon, and mother of five sons, Meleager, Melanippe (one of the Meleagrids), Toxeus, Thyreus, Clymenus, and two daughters, Deianeira and Gorge. Althaea is a plant genus of the Malvaceae family. It includes between 6-12 species. The most famous and used is the Althaea Officinalis, used for medicinal properties (e.g., it is useful as a calming agent).". The name comes from althos > Althaíā. In its original form, the name derives from althos (ἀλθος) Althaíā (Ἀλθαίᾱ). This greek name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Althea for girls often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Althaíā (Ἀλθαίᾱ),” meaning “one who heals, the one who takes care,” which in turn derives from “althos (ἀλθος),” meaning “healing, cure, a remedy.” In Greek mythology, Althaea is the daughter of King Thestius and Eurythemis and was sister to Leda, Hypermnestra, Iphiclus, Euippus. She was also the wife of Oeneus, king of Calydon, and mother of five sons, Meleager, Melanippe (one of the Meleagrids), Toxeus, Thyreus, Clymenus, and two daughters, Deianeira and Gorge. Althaea is a plant genus of the Malvaceae family. It includes between 6-12 species. The most famous and used is the Althaea Officinalis, used for medicinal properties (e.g., it is useful as a calming agent)." as a quality they hope to see in their child. While not the most common choice, Althea's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance. The name is associated with qualities like GREEK MYTHOLOGY (MINOR FIGURES), reflecting its meaning in how people perceive those who carry it.
What is the origin of the name Althea?
Althea is a greek name. The name traces back to althos > Althaíā. The original form althos (ἀλθος) Althaíā (Ἀλθαίᾱ) shows the name's roots in its native language. From its greek roots, Althea spread to become common in ancient Greek (Latinized), norwegian, swedish, danish and other cultures. The greek meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Althaíā (Ἀλθαίᾱ),” meaning “one who heals, the one who takes care,” which in turn derives from “althos (ἀλθος),” meaning “healing, cure, a remedy.” In Greek mythology, Althaea is the daughter of King Thestius and Eurythemis and was sister to Leda, Hypermnestra, Iphiclus, Euippus. She was also the wife of Oeneus, king of Calydon, and mother of five sons, Meleager, Melanippe (one of the Meleagrids), Toxeus, Thyreus, Clymenus, and two daughters, Deianeira and Gorge. Althaea is a plant genus of the Malvaceae family. It includes between 6-12 species. The most famous and used is the Althaea Officinalis, used for medicinal properties (e.g., it is useful as a calming agent)." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Althea a boy or girl name?
Althea is a girl's name. This traditionally feminine name has been chosen by parents for daughters across many cultures and time periods. In greek tradition, Althea has historically been given to girls. The meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Althaíā (Ἀλθαίᾱ),” meaning “one who heals, the one who takes care,” which in turn derives from “althos (ἀλθος),” meaning “healing, cure, a remedy.” In Greek mythology, Althaea is the daughter of King Thestius and Eurythemis and was sister to Leda, Hypermnestra, Iphiclus, Euippus. She was also the wife of Oeneus, king of Calydon, and mother of five sons, Meleager, Melanippe (one of the Meleagrids), Toxeus, Thyreus, Clymenus, and two daughters, Deianeira and Gorge. Althaea is a plant genus of the Malvaceae family. It includes between 6-12 species. The most famous and used is the Althaea Officinalis, used for medicinal properties (e.g., it is useful as a calming agent)." carries well for a daughter, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Althea?
Althea is pronounced "/ælˈθiː.ə/". This pronunciation follows en language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Althea is quick to say and easy to call out. Pronunciation may vary slightly in ancient Greek (Latinized), norwegian, swedish, where the name is also used. Local accents and language rules can shift certain sounds while keeping the name recognizable. If you're unfamiliar with greek names, listening to a native speaker say Althea can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root althos > Althaíā influences how Althea sounds in its original language.
How popular is the name Althea?
Althea is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Althea offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Althea's popularity may vary between greek communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Althaíā (Ἀλθαίᾱ),” meaning “one who heals, the one who takes care,” which in turn derives from “althos (ἀλθος),” meaning “healing, cure, a remedy.” In Greek mythology, Althaea is the daughter of King Thestius and Eurythemis and was sister to Leda, Hypermnestra, Iphiclus, Euippus. She was also the wife of Oeneus, king of Calydon, and mother of five sons, Meleager, Melanippe (one of the Meleagrids), Toxeus, Thyreus, Clymenus, and two daughters, Deianeira and Gorge. Althaea is a plant genus of the Malvaceae family. It includes between 6-12 species. The most famous and used is the Althaea Officinalis, used for medicinal properties (e.g., it is useful as a calming agent)." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among girls' names, Althea holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Althea commonly used?
Althea spans multiple cultures, including ancient Greek (Latinized), norwegian, swedish, and 2 other traditions. Though greek in origin, Althea found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. Names that work across multiple cultures, like Althea, often have straightforward pronunciation and positive meanings that translate well. The meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Althaíā (Ἀλθαίᾱ),” meaning “one who heals, the one who takes care,” which in turn derives from “althos (ἀλθος),” meaning “healing, cure, a remedy.” In Greek mythology, Althaea is the daughter of King Thestius and Eurythemis and was sister to Leda, Hypermnestra, Iphiclus, Euippus. She was also the wife of Oeneus, king of Calydon, and mother of five sons, Meleager, Melanippe (one of the Meleagrids), Toxeus, Thyreus, Clymenus, and two daughters, Deianeira and Gorge. Althaea is a plant genus of the Malvaceae family. It includes between 6-12 species. The most famous and used is the Althaea Officinalis, used for medicinal properties (e.g., it is useful as a calming agent)." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Althea into their naming traditions. A child named Althea will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Althea is given to girls, maintaining consistent gender association.
What is the cultural significance of Althea?
Althea carries associations with GREEK MYTHOLOGY (MINOR FIGURES). These qualities shape how people perceive the name and those who carry it, creating expectations and first impressions. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Althaíā (Ἀλθαίᾱ),” meaning “one who heals, the one who takes care,” which in turn derives from “althos (ἀλθος),” meaning “healing, cure, a remedy.” In Greek mythology, Althaea is the daughter of King Thestius and Eurythemis and was sister to Leda, Hypermnestra, Iphiclus, Euippus. She was also the wife of Oeneus, king of Calydon, and mother of five sons, Meleager, Melanippe (one of the Meleagrids), Toxeus, Thyreus, Clymenus, and two daughters, Deianeira and Gorge. Althaea is a plant genus of the Malvaceae family. It includes between 6-12 species. The most famous and used is the Althaea Officinalis, used for medicinal properties (e.g., it is useful as a calming agent)." reinforces these associations, connecting the literal translation to the character traits people expect. In greek culture, where Althea originates, these qualities held particular value, making the name a way to express hopes for a child's character. Research shows that names do influence perceptions. People form impressions based on names before meeting someone, which means choosing Althea sets certain expectations. Parents choosing Althea often connect with one or more of these associations, selecting the name because it represents qualities they value or wish for their child. In ancient Greek (Latinized) communities, these associations may carry extra weight, as naming traditions often reinforce cultural values.

Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.

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