Agatha - Name Meaning, Origin and History


Name:
Agatha
Pronunciation:
/ˈæɡəθə/
Gender:
Female
Origin:
Greek
Religion:
Christian
Meaning:
Good, kind, honorable
Variations:
Agata; Agathe; Agatah; Agathi; Agathia; Agathy; Agotha; Agueda; Agafya; Agape; Agnessa
Agatha is a name of Greek origin, derived from the Greek word "agathos," meaning good or kind. Historically, the name gained prominence through Saint Agatha, a 3rd-century Christian martyr venerated in both the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches. Her feast day is celebrated on February 5th. The name Agatha has been used across various cultures, often with slight variations in spelling and pronunciation. In literature, Agatha Christie, the renowned British mystery writer, brought additional fame to the name. Agatha is predominantly a female name, though it has been used as a unisex name in some cultures. Its popularity has varied over time, with peaks in the early 20th century in English-speaking countries. Today, Agatha remains a classic choice, often paired with sibling names like Beatrice, Clara, or Oliver. People named Agatha are often perceived as kind, intelligent, and creative, traits that align well with careers in arts, education, and social services.

Popularity of The Name Agatha

Agatha's popularity peaked in the early 20th century in the United States and the United Kingdom. It remains a classic choice in English-speaking countries, with a steady but modest presence in baby name lists. The name is also popular in Spain and Italy, where variations like Agata are common.

Famous People Named Agatha

Agatha Christie
British mystery writer known for novels like "Murder on the Orient Express"
Agatha Barbara
Former President of Malta
Agathaumas
Extinct genus of horned dinosaur named after the Greek word for "wonder

Interesting Facts About the Name Agatha

Most common surname :
Smith, Johnson, Brown
Most common spouse name :
John, Michael, David
Most common child name :
Elizabeth, William, Sophia
Peak birth year :
1920 in the United States
Characteristics :
Kind, intelligent, creative
Professional orientation :
Arts, Education: social services
Historical significance :
Associated with Saint Agatha, a Christian martyr
Pop culture significance :
Agatha Harkness, a character in Marvel Comics and the TV series "WandaVision"
Linguistic origin :
Derived from the Greek word "agathos," meaning good or kind

Explore Your Genealogy

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Explore other names starting with A to help you discover related genealogy records.

Explore other names starting with A to help you discover related genealogy records.

Explore first names - their meanings, origins, and interesting facts

Continue to explore other first names and their meanings, origins, and interesting facts

Continue to explore other first names and their meanings, origins, and interesting facts

Other family names that are common with Agatha

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Last update: 2025-05-20

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