Pyrrha is a rare and unique female given name of Greek origin. Its meaning is derived from the Greek word 'pyrros,' which means 'red.' This could refer to the color red itself, or it could be interpreted as 'flame-haired' or 'red-haired.'
The name Pyrrha has an interesting historical context. In Greek mythology, Pyrrha was a queen of Athens who played a significant role in the story of Deucalion and Pyrrha, the Greek equivalent of Noah's Ark. After the great flood that was sent by Zeus to wipe out humanity, Deucalion and his wife Pyrrha were the only survivors. Upon reaching Mount Parnassus, they asked the god how they could repopulate the Earth. The god commanded them to throw behind them the bones of their mother, which they interpreted as rocks. From these stones, a new human race was created.
Pyrrha is also the name of one of the Niobids, the children of the Titan king Niobe and her husband Amphion. Pyrrha was one of seven daughters who were transformed into stone by Apollo after their mother boasted about her superior fertility compared to Leto, Apollo's mother.
Despite its rich historical background, Pyrrha is not a common name today. It has never been among the top 1000 most popular names for girls in any English-speaking country. However, it remains an intriguing choice for those looking for a distinctive and meaningful name with a strong connection to Greek mythology.
The name Pyrrha has seen a consistent number of births each year in the United States over the past few years, with a total of 22 babies named Pyrrha born since 2018. In 2018 and 2021, there were 6 births each year, while in 2020 and 2023, there were 5 births each year. This shows that the name Pyrrha has been a popular choice for parents looking for unique names for their daughters during this period.