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Martha Girl

Popularity: #547 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationMAR-tha / ˈmɑːrθə

Hebrew; Aramaic

Meaning

Hebrew: lady; Aramaic: mistress of the house

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Martha has its roots in the Aramaic language, derived from the word "marta," which means "lady" or "mistress." This term was adopted into Greek as "Martha" and subsequently made its way into Latin, maintaining its form. The name entered the English language through the Old French "Marta" during the medieval period, reflecting the influence of Norman culture on England after the Norman Conquest in the 11th century.

Historically, Martha is a significant biblical figure, appearing in the New Testament as the sister of Mary and Lazarus. Her story is primarily found in the Gospel of John, particularly in the account of the resurrection of Lazarus, which is dated to the 1st century CE. Martha is often associated with themes of service and hospitality, as she is depicted as a diligent caretaker, contrasting with her sister Mary, who is portrayed as more contemplative. This biblical association has contributed to the name's enduring presence in Christian communities.

Culturally, Martha has been embraced in various traditions, often symbolizing domesticity and nurturing. The name has been used in literature and art, reinforcing its connection to themes of service and devotion. In some contexts, diminutive forms such as "Martie" have emerged, reflecting affection and familiarity. The name's historical significance and its ties to biblical narratives have helped it maintain a lasting resonance in various cultures, particularly within Christian traditions.

Trend Summary

Martha has experienced fluctuating popularity in the United States, with a notable decline in usage since the mid-20th century.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Marthe
  • Martina

International Variants

  • Marta (Spanish)
  • Marthe (French)
  • Marta (Italian)
  • Martha (German)

Famous people named Martha

Martha Stewart is a television personality and businesswoman best known for The Martha Stewart Show, Martha & Snoop's Potluck Dinner Party, and her lifestyle brand.

Fictional characters named Martha

Martha Jones is a fictional character from the TV series Doctor Who. She is a companion of the Tenth Doctor who plays a crucial role in several story arcs, showcasing her intelligence and bravery.

Martha is a fictional character from the comic book series DC Comics. She is the mother of the superhero Superman, known for her nurturing role and support of her son, Clark Kent.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Martha was first seen in the United States in 1880. Martha has ranked as high as #60 nationally, which occurred in 1947, and has been most popular in California, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Georgia, and North Carolina. In the past 5 years the name Martha has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Martha (2024)

StateBirthsShare
TX 48
13%
PA 43
12%
CA 34
9%
NY 26
7%
OH 20
6%
IN 20
6%
NC 19
5%
TN 16
4%
KY 13
4%
FL 12
3%
AL 12
3%
VA 11
3%
WI 11
3%
GA 10
3%
IL 10
3%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18801,040
18811,044
18821,229
18831,255
18841,443
18851,425
18861,491
18871,504
18881,769
18891,711
18901,784
18911,744
18921,915
18931,805
18941,968
18952,096
18962,022
18971,990
18982,184
18991,907
19002,437
19011,886
19022,030
19031,980
19042,019
19052,091
19062,199
19072,274
19082,324
19092,510
19102,858
19113,019
19123,911
19134,538
19145,432
19157,216
19167,610
19178,261
19188,342
19198,322
19208,709
19219,264
19229,021
19238,961
19249,320
19258,762
19268,556
19278,304
19288,252
19297,639
19307,831
19317,482
19327,579
19337,164
19347,604
19357,621
19367,391
19377,954
19388,579
19398,492
19408,695
19419,157
19429,511
19439,705
19449,336
19458,751
19469,759
194710,652
194810,011
19499,809
19509,838
19519,605
19529,696
19539,263
19548,596
19557,930
19567,709
19577,362
19586,751
19596,439
19605,831
19615,724
19625,158
19634,886
19644,450
19653,799
19663,271
19672,911
19682,581
19692,428
19702,368
19712,190
19721,895
19731,725
19741,833
19751,791
19761,598
19771,596
19781,486
19791,443
19801,554
19811,572
19821,449
19831,349
19841,210
19851,221
19861,153
19871,143
19881,138
19891,249
19901,267
19911,132
19921,146
19931,058
1994954
1995928
1996881
1997863
1998779
1999742
2000787
2001759
2002718
2003638
2004601
2005599
2006583
2007530
2008504
2009450
2010410
2011374
2012392
2013344
2014383
2015367
2016396
2017376
2018349
2019348
2020354
2021394
2022405
2023436
2024431