Althea
Healing power, therapeutic virtue, wholesome cure
Name Details
| Origin Language | Greek |
|---|---|
| Lucky Number | #7 |
| Lucky Days | Sunday |
| Lucky Colors | Blue, White, Gold |
| Lucky Stone | Crystal |
What Does the Name Althea Mean?
Althea is a Greek name that holds the beautiful meaning of "Healing power, therapeutic virtue, wholesome cure". Rooted in ancient Greek, the language of the New Testament, classical philosophy and early Christianity, this name connects the child to a heritage of meaning, identity and cultural depth. Greek-origin names connect to the earliest Christian communities, classical philosophy and the literary tradition that shaped Western civilization. Many entered Christian use through the apostles, church fathers and the Greek text of the New Testament.
Families choosing Greek-origin names often value the connection to early Christian history, philosophical virtue or the classical beauty of Greek language and culture. Understanding the linguistic origin and cultural setting of a name like Althea helps parents make a choice that is both personally meaningful and culturally informed. Explore more names in our Christian Girls Names collection to compare options with similar roots and meanings.
In traditional name numerology, Althea is associated with lucky number 7. The colors Blue, White, Gold are considered favorable , especially on Sunday. The gemstone Crystal is traditionally associated with this name. Numerology is a cultural tradition valued by many families — while it is not a science, it adds a personal layer of meaning to the naming process for those who appreciate these customs.
Explore More Christian Girls Names
Althea is part of our curated Christian Girls Names collection, where every name includes its meaning, origin, pronunciation guide and cultural context. Browse the full collection to discover names with similar meanings and origins — and use the compare tool to evaluate your favorites side by side.
History / Notes
The name Althea has connections to Greek mythology but no direct biblical history. It is a Greek name, derived from "althos" (ἄλθος) meaning "healing" or "cure." In Greek mythology, Althaea was the mother of Meleager, a hero of the Calydonian Boar Hunt. The Fates prophesied that her son would die when a particular piece of wood was consumed by fire. Althaea kept the wood safe until Meleager killed her brothers in a dispute, at which point she cast the wood into the fire, causing his death, then killed herself in grief. The name thus carries tragic mythological associations, but its primary meaning is "healer." In botanical contexts, Althaea is the genus name for marshmallow plant (Althaea officinalis), whose roots have been used for centuries in herbal medicine for their soothing, healing properties. The marshmallow plant was used to treat sore throats, wounds, and inflammations, giving the name its therapeutic associations. The name appears occasionally in literature, including in Richard Lovelaces famous poem "To Althea, from Prison" (1642), where the speaker finds freedom in love despite imprisonment. The names absence from biblical texts reflects its origin in Greek mythology and language, though its meaning—healing—resonates with biblical themes of restoration and wholeness. The name carries the weight of tragic myth, the gentleness of medicinal herbs, and the freedom of love that transcends confinement.