Meaning, origin, history
Cletha is a unique and distinctive female given name of African American origin. It is believed to have been created during the early 20th century in the Southern United States, where it gained popularity among families of African descent.
The exact meaning and origin of Cletha are unclear, as it does not appear to be derived from any well-known African, English, or other Western names. Some sources suggest that Cletha may have been created by combining elements from different names, such as Clara and Edith. However, this theory is not widely accepted, and the true origins of Cletha remain shrouded in mystery.
Despite its uncertain beginnings, Cletha has been carried on by families for generations and continues to be used today. According to the Social Security Administration's data on popular baby names in the United States, Cletha was given to fewer than five girls each year between 1960 and 2018, making it a rare and distinctive name.
One notable figure with the name Cletha is Cletha Watson, an American gospel singer who gained fame in the 1950s and 1960s. Watson was born into a musical family in Louisiana and began performing at a young age. She went on to record several successful albums and toured extensively throughout her career.
Overall, Cletha is a unique and distinctive name with an uncertain history and unclear meaning. However, its rarity and African American origins make it a meaningful and significant choice for parents looking for a special name for their daughter.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Cletha since 1880
Total births
19
Total since 1880
Peak year
1922
7 births
in 1934
7
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
→
vs previous 5 years