Retha

Updated: February 28, 2022 by MomsWhoThink Staff

Retha is a beautiful classic baby name for girls. Regal but relatable, this name has been a favorite in countries ranging from the United States to India. Retha is the name of a chieftain in the Forgotten Realms series, and Retha was also a nickname of iconic singer Aretha Franklin. Keep reading to learn more about this baby name.

Meaning of the name Retha:

Greek: Virtue, righteousness, excellence, pearl

Origin of the name Retha:

Retha is a diminutive of the name Aretha. This name derives from the Greek word ἀρετή (arete) and means “virtue,” “excellence,” or “righteousness.” Alternatively, Retha is also a short form of Margaretha. This is the standard Dutch spelling of Margaret, and the spelling can also occur in Germany and Sweden. The name Margaret derives from the Greek word μαργαρίτης (margarites) and means “pearl.” Interestingly, the Retha diminutive is also a very common name in South Asia (where pearls resemble the small edible fruits of the soapnut tree). The Hindi spelling of Retha is रीठा.

Symbolism of the name Retha:

Retha is the short form of the Greek name Aretha. It originates from the word ἀρετή (meaning “virtue”). According to Greek mythology, Areté was the deity or personification of virtue and valor. In her most famous tale, Areté offered Hercules the option of a life of hardship and honor versus an easy life with few achievements. Hercules chose the challenging path as a testament to his virtue. The symbol of Areté is the image of the crossroad.