Latinized form of Greek
‘Ρεια (Rheia), meaning unknown, perhaps related to
‘ρεω (rheo) "to flow" or
ερα (era) "ground". In Greek mythology Rhea was a Titan, the wife of
Cronus, and the mother of
Zeus,
Poseidon,
Hades,
Hera,
Demeter and
Hestia. Also, in Roman mythology a woman named Rhea
Silvia was the mother of
Romulus and
Remus, the legendary founders of Rome.