Althea is an English female given name derived from the Greek name Ἀλθαία (Althaia), which may be related to the Greek word ἄλθος (althos) meaning "healing". In Greek mythology, Althea was the mother of Meleager. According to myth, the Fates prophesied that her son would die when a certain log on her hearth was consumed by fire. She extinguished and hid the log, but years later, in a rage over the death of her brothers, she retrieved it and threw it back into the flames, causing Meleager's death. This tragic tale was famously recounted in Ovid's Metamorphoses and other classical sources. Etymology and History The name Althea (Old English: Alþea) entered English usage through classical references. It was revived in the 17th century, notably when poet Richard Lovelace used it in his poem "To Althea, from Prison" (1642), a work that later inspired John Milton's "Lycidas". The name's link to "healing" gives it a positive connotation, contributing to its enduring appeal. Notable Bearers Famous women named Althea include Althea Gibson (1927–2003), an American tennis player and professional golfer who broke racial barriers in sports. Others: Althea Flynt (1953–1987), publisher and wife of Larry Flynt; Althea McNish (1924–2020), a British textile designer of Trinidadian origin; Althea Bridges (born 1936), Australian opera singer; and Althea Reinhardt (born 1996), Danish handball player. Members of the vocal duo Althea & Donna enjoyed a reggae hit with "Uptown Ranking" (1977). Meaning: "Healing" Origin: Greek Type: Feminine given name Variants: Althaia, Althaea