Althaea Name Meaning & Details
Origin, Popularity, Numerology Analysis & Name Meaning of Althaea
Discover the origin, meaning, and cultural significance of the name ALTHAEA. Delve into its historical roots and explore the lasting impact it has had on communities and traditions.
Name
Althaea
Gender
Female
Origin
Greek
Lucky Number
3
Meaning of the Name
In Greek mythology, Althaea is the mother of Meleager, and her name is often associated with healing or marshmallow plants, derived from the Greek 'althaino' meaning 'to heal'.
Complete Numerology Analysis
Your Numerology Number
Based on Pythagorean Numerology System
Ruling Planet
Jupiter
Positive Nature
Optimistic, inspirational, and creative.
Negative Traits
Scattered, exaggerating.
Lucky Colours
Yellow, gold, purple.
Lucky Days
Thursday.
Lucky Stones
Yellow sapphire.
Harmony Numbers
1, 2, 9.
Best Suited Professions
Arts, writing, communication.
What People Like About You
Creativity, optimism.
Famous People Named Althaea
Althaea
Greek mythological figure
Mother of Meleager in Greek mythology, central figure in tragic fate story
Althaea officinalis
Medicinal plant
Marshmallow plant used for centuries in herbal medicine with proven healing properties
Althaea cannabina
Botanical species
Recognized flowering plant species in the mallow family with historical significance
Name Variations & International Equivalents
Click on blue names to explore their detailed meanings. Gray names with will be available soon.
Cultural & Historical Significance
The name also carries significant botanical importance through Althaea officinalis, the marshmallow plant. Ancient Greek physicians including Hippocrates and Dioscorides documented its medicinal properties for treating wounds, inflammation, and respiratory ailments. The plant's mucilaginous roots were used to create soothing preparations, earning it the Greek name 'althaia' meaning 'healer.' This dual significance—both mythological and medicinal—makes Althaea a name rich with cultural layers, representing both the profound emotional depths of human experience and the healing power of nature. The name continues to resonate in classical studies, herbalism, and among those appreciating names with deep historical and symbolic weight.
Extended Personality Analysis
Individuals named Althaea typically exhibit a complex personality profile shaped by the name's mythological and botanical heritage. They often possess strong nurturing instincts and protective qualities, much like the mythological Althaea's fierce maternal devotion. These individuals tend to be deeply emotional and intuitive, with a capacity for profound love and loyalty to family and close friends. However, they may also struggle with intense internal conflicts when faced with competing loyalties or moral dilemmas. Their emotional depth gives them excellent empathy and understanding of others' suffering, making them natural caregivers and healers—whether in professional roles or personal relationships.
The botanical association with the healing marshmallow plant suggests individuals who bring comfort and soothing energy to difficult situations. They often have a calming presence and practical problem-solving abilities. However, the tragic aspect of the mythology indicates that Althaeas may need to guard against letting powerful emotions override their better judgment in critical moments. They tend to be thoughtful decision-makers who consider long-term consequences, but when provoked, can display surprising intensity. Overall, Althaeas are often perceived as wise, compassionate, and resilient individuals who understand life's complexities and possess both the strength to protect and the wisdom to heal. Their personality represents a balance between emotional depth and practical nurturing, between fierce protection and gentle comfort.
Modern Usage & Popularity
In contemporary naming practices, Althaea remains an exceptionally rare but meaningful choice, primarily selected by parents with specific interests in Greek mythology, botanical names, or classical literature. The name has never appeared in the Social Security Administration's top 1000 names in the United States, maintaining its status as a distinctive and uncommon selection. Its more popular variation 'Althea' sees moderate usage, particularly among parents seeking classical names with natural elements. Althaea finds slightly higher acceptance in European countries with strong classical education traditions, especially Greece and Italy where mythological names maintain cultural relevance. Modern parents choosing Althaea typically appreciate its rich historical background, connection to nature through the marshmallow plant, and its melodic, feminine sound. The name appeals to those seeking unique alternatives to more common classical names like Daphne or Cassandra while maintaining similar mythological weight. Its rarity ensures that any child named Althaea will have a distinctive identity with deep cultural and natural resonances.
Symbolic & Spiritual Meanings
Althaea carries profound symbolic meanings that intertwine mythological tragedy with natural healing. The name symbolizes the dual nature of protection—representing how the same fierce love that safeguards life can, under extreme circumstances, become the instrument of destruction. The firebrand from Meleager's story serves as a powerful symbol of fate, destiny, and the fragile threads that connect life and death. It represents how our existence can hinge on seemingly insignificant objects or moments, and how emotional decisions can have irreversible consequences. The marshmallow plant connection adds layers of healing symbolism, representing natural remedies, comfort, and the soothing of physical and emotional pain. This botanical aspect makes Althaea a symbol of nature's healing power and the gentle strength found in nurturing. Together, these elements create a name that symbolizes the complex interplay between love and loss, protection and destruction, healing and harm that defines the human experience. Althaea represents the understanding that true strength includes both the power to protect and the wisdom to heal, and that our deepest loves often contain the seeds of both our greatest joys and most profound sorrows.