Aletheia is a unique and uncommon feminine given name of Greek origin. Derived from the Greek word "ἀλήθεια" (alētheia), which means "truth," Aletheia is often associated with the concept of truth, honesty, and sincerity. This name has been used historically in literature and philosophy to represent these ideals.
The name first gained prominence through its use in philosophical circles during ancient Greek times. It was employed by philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle to denote the pursuit of truth and knowledge. For instance, in Plato's dialogue "The Republic," one of the characters is named Aletheia, emphasizing the importance of honesty and truthfulness in society.
In literature, Aletheia has also made appearances, most notably in C.S. Lewis' fantasy series "The Chronicles of Narnia." In these books, Aletheia is a character who embodies the qualities of truth and sincerity, further popularizing this distinctive name.
Today, while still relatively rare, Aletheia continues to be chosen by parents who wish to give their daughters a strong, meaningful, and unique name. Its association with truth and honesty makes it an appealing choice for those seeking a name that carries deep symbolic significance.
The name Aletheia has seen varied popularity over the years in the United States. The first recorded birth with this name was in 1973, with five occurrences. The next year saw an increase to seven births.
There was a period of fluctuations from 1976 onwards, with numbers ranging from five to ten births per year until 2004. Interestingly, that year marked a significant spike with sixteen births, suggesting it might have been a popular choice for parents during that time.
From 2005 onwards, the number of births with the name Aletheia started to rise consistently, reaching double-digit figures in most years. The highest peak was reached in 2020 with sixty-six births, which is more than double the previous high of thirty-two births in 2013.
The recent trends indicate that the name Aletheia has been gaining popularity over time in the United States. However, it remains relatively uncommon compared to many other names, as evidenced by the total number of births recorded since 1973 which stands at 774. Despite its lower prevalence, it seems that this unique name continues to capture the attention of some parents looking for distinctive options for their children.