Meaning & History
Eartha is a feminine given name in English, combining the English word earth with the common feminine suffix -a. The name was used in honour of African-American philanthropist Eartha M. M. White (1876-1974), and its most famous bearer was the American singer and actress Eartha Kitt (1927-2008).
Eartha M. M. White was a notable humanitarian and businesswoman in Jacksonville, Florida, who used her wealth to support educational and charitable causes. Eartha Kitt gained international fame as a sultry singer and captivating performer, known for hits like 'Santa Baby' and her role as Catwoman in the 1960s Batman TV series. Despite sharing a name with a massive globe—Eartha being the moniker of DeLorme's giant rotating globe in Maine—the name has been used primarily as a personal name, particularly among African-American communities.
The name Eartha is related to other earthy elements: the word earth itself comes from Old English eorþe, meaning ground or soil. As a given name, it reflects a connection to nature and the planet.
- Meaning: Earth
- Origin: English word name
- Type: Feminine used name
- Usage Regions: English-speaking world, especially African-American culture