Retha

♀ Girl

Pronounced REE-thuh /ˈriː.θə/Medium

Meaning: A short form drawn from names like Aretha (from the Greek 'arete,' 'virtue; excellence') or Loretta/Margaretha. An early-century clipped name; the exact parent is uncertain, which we note.Low

In 30 seconds: A soft short name: Retha clips Aretha ('virtue,' Greek), said 'REE-thuh.' Vintage and gentle.

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Origin LowGreek

MeaningA short form drawn from names like Aretha (from the Greek 'arete,' 'virtue; excellence') or Loretta/Margaretha. An early-century clipped name; the exact parent is uncertain, which we note.

U.S. rank (2014)#18634 ↘ Falling

2014 U.S. births5 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1924

Total births (all-time)≈ 10,597

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Retha is a short form drawn from names such as Aretha, from the Greek 'arete,' 'virtue; excellence,' or Loretta and Margaretha. Common in the early-century South, it peaked in 1924 and faded after (said 'REE-thuh'). The exact parent is uncertain, which we note.

Retha belonged to the early-century generation and is rare today. Rare, soft, and vintage.

Did you know? Retha is a clipped name tied to Aretha or Loretta; it peaked around 1924 and has faded to rarity since.

Overall data confidence 40%

References — Retha — Short for Aretha/Loretta; Greek 'arete' 'virtue'; parent uncertain

Variations

ReathaArethaRetta

Nicknames

ReeRethie

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Retha…

Aretha— a name it shortens

Loretta— a like parent name

Bertha— a like -tha vintage name

Etta— a like short old pick

Explore names like Retha

By themeuncertain short vintage 1920s

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Retha mean?

Retha is a short form of Aretha or Loretta, tied to the Greek 'arete,' 'virtue'; the parent is uncertain, which we note.

How do you pronounce Retha?

It's said REE-thuh /ˈriː.θə/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Retha a boy or girl name?

Retha is used here as a girl's name.

How popular is Retha?

Retha peaked in the mid-twenties and is rare today.