althea

Althea is a feminine given name of Greek origin. It derives from the Greek althaia, meaning healing or to cure, and has been used in various cultures and languages. Notable bearers include Althea Gibson (1927–2003), an American tennis player who became the first African American to win a Grand Slam title.

In biology, Althaea (often anglicized as althea) is a genus in the mallow family, Malvaceae, commonly known as marshmallow. It comprises several species native to Europe, Asia, and northern Africa. The best-known species is Althaea officinalis, whose roots contain mucilage that has historically been used as a demulcent. The plants are herbaceous perennials or biennials with pale pink or white flowers.

In Greek mythology, Althaea was the mother of Meleager, a hero of the Calydonian Boar hunt. In some versions of the story, she burns a magical log that determines the length of her son’s life, an act that leads to Meleager’s death and ties her to themes of fate and family. The name Althea appears in various literary and cultural contexts as a reference to healing or maternal lineage.