Rheta Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Rheta has Greek origins, meaning 'speaker' or 'orator.' It evolved from the Ancient Greek 'rhetor' and is associated with qualities such as eloquence and persuasive communication. The name gained popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, reflecting a cultural appreciation for articulate expression. It does not have biblical relevance, and modern perceptions of the name are generally positive, often linked to creativity and intelligence.
The name Rheta is most popular in Oklahoma, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Silent Generation generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Rheta has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South. Across generations, 'Rheta' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 2152nd out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1362nd out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 2960th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 11870th out of 19264 names. Discover how the name 'Rheta' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Rheta"
Pronunciation
/ˈrɛtə/
Origin
Greek
Etymology
The name Rheta is derived from the Greek word 'rhetor,' meaning 'speaker' or 'orator.' It is often associated with eloquence and persuasive speech.
Meaning
speaker, orator, eloquent
Language Evolution
Rhetor (Ancient Greek), Rheta (Modern English)
Historical Usage
The name Rheta gained popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in English-speaking countries, as part of a trend towards names that emphasize eloquence and communication.
Variants & Derivatives
Rhetia, Rhetae, Rhetta
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Rheta is viewed as a unique and sophisticated name, often associated with creative and articulate individuals.
Famous People
Rheta Childe Dorr (American author and activist), Rheta Grimsley Johnson (American journalist and author)
Explore More Rheta Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Rheta"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Rheta"
"Rheta" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 2152nd of 9107 | 287 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 1362nd of 9204 | 585 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 2960th of 12526 | 294 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 11870th of 19264 | 29 |
Regional Popularity of "Rheta" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Rheta" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- |
73.75% 1017th/1379 |
- | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
58.99% 912th/1546 |
83.35% 1297th/1556 |
55.76% 1312th/2353 |
- |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Rheta"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Rheta" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.