All about the name

Lether

Female

« The name Lether has Greek origins and means 'forgetfulness', referring to the River Lethe in Hades that caused the newly dead to forget their past lives. »

#17509 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

The name Lethe is of Greek origin and has a unique meaning that sets it apart from many other names. It comes from the Greek word "Lethe", which refers to the river in Hades that the newly dead had to cross in order to forget their past lives. According to myth, drinking from the waters of this river caused anyone who did so to lose all memory of their past life. In Roman mythology, Lethe was also known as the River of Oblivion and was one of the five rivers surrounding Hades' underworld kingdom. The other four rivers were Acheron, Cocytus, Phlegethon, and Styx. Each river had its own unique purpose in the afterlife. While Lethe may not be a common name today, it has been used throughout history by various cultures for both men and women. Some notable figures with the name include Saint Lethe, an Irish saint from the 7th century, and Letheus of Rome, another early Christian martyr. In literature, the name Lethe appears in works such as Dante's "Inferno", where it is mentioned alongside other rivers of the underworld. It also features prominently in Lewis Carroll's "Through the Looking-Glass, and What Alice Found There" as the name of a character who lives near the Sea of Tears. Overall, while Lethe may not be a well-known name today, its unique origins and meaning make it an intriguing choice for those looking for something different. Whether you're drawn to its connection with ancient mythology or simply appreciate its distinctive sound, choosing Lethe as a name is sure to spark curiosity and conversation.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Lether since 1880

Total births
241
Total since 1880
Peak year
1924
14 births
in 1949
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years