Anthea

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Anthea

Gender: Feminine
Language: English
Etymology:
Anthea comes from a Greek word, “antheois,” meaning “Flowery.”

History:
The name Anthea comes from a title, Antheia, given to the Greek goddess Hera by the inhabitants of Argos, who venerated her. It may also have belonged to a minor Cretan goddess of flowery wreaths.

Anthea was revived by 17th century Cavalier poets (Robert Herrick, most notably), romantic, light, easy-going sorts who idealized. The name has made sporadic appearances in the English-speaking world ever since, not becoming well-known until the late 19th century (chiefly in Britain). The Penguin Dictionary of First Names (1999) says it peaked in the 1950s.

Pronunciation: ann-thee-ah, an-tay-ah

Alternates: Anthia, Antha, Anthie, Antheia.

Famous Bearers:
Singers and Entertainers:
Andrea Shirley Askey (1933-1999)
British actress.
Andrea Turner (1960-)
British television personality.

Sports Stars:
Andrea Stewart (1944-)
Zimbabwe field hockey player.

Popularity:
Percentage from the 1990 U.S. Census:
less than 0.001 % named Anthea

Popularity of Anthea:
Popularity (for newborns):
In the United States...
1880-2004: N/A

Selected Sources:
The Oxford Dictionary of English Christian Names, Withycombe, 1977, 3rd ed.
A Dictionary of First Names, Hanks and Hodges, 1990
The Penguin Dictionary of First Names, Pickering, 1999
The Wordsworth Dictionary of First Names, Mcleod and Freedman, 1995

The Social Security Administration Actuarial Note 139 (www.ssa.gov) - For popularity stats 1880-Present
The 1880 U.S. Census- For popularity stats 1850-1880, and other information (it is available on-line at www.familysearch.org)