US Popularity Rank: 22502

Origin: Greek

Meaning: Virtue; Goodness; Excellence; Manliness; Prowess; Rank; Valor

Aretha is a girl’s name of Greek origin that means “virtue,” “goodness,” “excellence,” “manliness,” “prowess,” “rank” or “valor.” Easy to spell and pronounce, Aretha sings off the tongue and carries an aura of eminence. Aretha may come from the Greek word arete, the concept of excellence of any kind. In Homer’s Odyssey, Arete is the name given to the wife of King Alcinous, who is looked upon as a goddess by her people. Singer Aretha Franklin has certainly lived up to her name, with a successful career that spans generations and her title as the Queen of Soul. Needless to say, the name Aretha powerfully inspires excellence in its bearer!