Altea as a Baby Name. Meaning and Origin of Altea

What is the meaning of the name Altea ?

The baby name Altea is a Female name , 3 syllables long and is pronounced /ælˈtiːə/ (al-TEE-uh),/ælˈteɪə/ (al-TAY-uh),/alˈte.a/ (al-TEH-a, Spanish).

Altea is Greek, Italian in Origin.

Altea is the Italian and Iberian form of Althaea/Althea, ultimately from Ancient Greek Althaia, derived from althainein “to heal.” In Italian, altea is also the common name of the marsh mallow plant (Althaea officinalis), famed for soothing, medicinal qualities. The mythic bearer is Althaea, mother of Meleager in Greek legend, which lends the name a classical aura and the core meaning “healer; wholesome.”

As a given name, Althea appears in English from the 17th century (cf. Richard Lovelace’s poem “To Althea, from Prison”), while Altea gains modern traction in Italy and Spain in the late 20th century; in Spanish the coastal place-name Altea has encouraged adoption. Variants and relatives include Althea, Althaea, Althaia, and Portuguese Altéia; short forms Tea and Thea are common. Usage today remains uncommon yet stylish, appealing to those who like classical roots, botanical overtones, and the sleek -tea ending.