Letha is likely a short form or variant of Aletha, which itself traces back to the Greek name Alethea. Alethea derives from the Greek word aletheia, meaning "truth." The name was created during the 16th century as a virtue name, part of a broader pattern of naming children after abstract qualities during the Reformation and Renaissance periods. While Letha is predominantly used in English-speaking countries, its popularity has remained modest. In the United States, Letha saw the most usage in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. According to the U.S. Social Security Administration, Letha ranked among the top female names in the 1880s, reaching its peak at #216 in 1883. After the 1920s, its usage declined sharply, and since the late 20th century, it has become rare—often chosen by parents seeking a simple yet distinctive name with classical roots. The name's close association with truth and ancient Greek philosophy gave it a certain literary cachet, but unlike its predecessor Alethea, which appears occasionally in literature, Letha remains uncommon in fiction or public life. Its brevity and softening of the longer form without religious significance appeal to those desiring a melodious, vintage-style name with an unimposing meaning. Notable Bearers While Letha has not been widespread in modern history, it appears in biographical records primarily within the American South and Midwest of the 19th and early 20th centuries, often in genealogies of pioneer families. There are scant well-known historical figures bearing the name, but it exists quietly in local histories. Cultural Significance As an intrinsic part of the broader family of virtues originating in Greek thought (like Sophia = wisdom, Charity, Chastity), Letha, by channeling “truth” indirectly through Aletha, falls within heritage of names adopted during similar spiritual movements. However, “Letha” suggests added affability above abstract formality, making approachability higher than parent names Alethea or Aletha. Meaning: truth (derivation) Origin: Greek Type: Short form or variant Usage regions: English-speaking world