Origin and Meaning of Arethia

Meaning & Origin

Virtue, excellence

Origin: Greek - Derived from the Greek word 'aretē,' which means 'excellence' or 'virtue.'

Interesting Facts

  • Arethia, though less common, shares its roots with the name Arete, which was often used in ancient Greek literature to denote moral virtue and excellence.
  • In Greek mythology, Arete was considered a personification of virtue and excellence, often associated with the heroes of legend.
  • Notable bearers of similar names include Aretha Franklin, an iconic American singer whose name is derived from Arethia's Greek roots.
  • Arethia is a unique name that has not seen extensive popularity in contemporary naming statistics but may be appreciated for its classical roots.
  • Variations of the name include Areth, Arethusa, and Arete, which all resonate with themes of virtue and excellence.