Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Bertha has Germanic origins, meaning 'bright' or 'glorious.' It evolved from historical forms like Berht and Berhthe before becoming Bertha. The name is associated with traits such as brightness and glory. It has no biblical relevance. Bertha became popular in the Middle Ages and saw a resurgence in the 19th century, although it is now viewed as somewhat old-fashioned. Notable people with this name include Bertha von Suttner and Bertha Pappenheim.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈbɜːrθə/
Origin
Germanic
Etymology
The name Bertha derives from the Germanic word 'berht,' which means 'bright' or 'glorious.' It was a popular name among the Franks and later spread to other Germanic-speaking regions.
Meaning
bright, glorious
Language Evolution
Berht, Berhthe, Bertha
Historical Usage
Bertha gained popularity in the Middle Ages, particularly in France and Germany, and became more widely used in English-speaking countries during the 19th century.
Variants & Derivatives
Bert, Bertie, Berthea
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Bertha is considered somewhat old-fashioned but retains a sense of vintage charm. It is less commonly used in modern naming trends.
Famous People
Bertha von Suttner, Bertha Pappenheim, Bertha Mason
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 5,065 peak births in 1918
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Mississippi
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 12 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (3 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 3 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 1525th of 7545 | 377 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 1941st of 6773 | 262 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 3943rd of 7552 | 73 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 8999th of 10718 | 11 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 16616th of 16616 | 5 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 45th of 9107 | 93,958 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 125th of 9204 | 37,250 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 258th of 12526 | 20,954 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 554th of 19264 | 5,225 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 1074th of 27321 | 2,548 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 2433rd of 35406 | 1,137 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 4635th of 30306 | 357 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - |
84.53% 2000th/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - |
85.68% 2016th/2353 |
- |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
5.51% 78th/1416 |
3.99% 55th/1379 |
1.65% 39th/2366 |
6.57% 75th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
10.74% 166th/1546 |
9.64% 150th/1556 |
3.19% 75th/2353 |
9.83% 152nd/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
18.32% 408th/2227 |
16.79% 408th/2430 |
5.89% 168th/2853 |
10.41% 289th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
27.37% 804th/2937 |
24.98% 870th/3483 |
12.48% 439th/3518 |
11.03% 446th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
45.16% 1664th/3685 |
53.79% 2407th/4475 |
20.00% 1039th/5194 |
10.45% 660th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
74.53% 3415th/4582 |
73.80% 3811th/5164 |
29.77% 2177th/7313 |
20.98% 1566th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
94.70% 3773rd/3984 |
84.85% 3807th/4487 |
60.92% 4156th/6822 |
56.01% 3515th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Mississippi across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the G.I. Generation generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 1525th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1941st out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 3943rd out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 8999th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 16616th out of 16616 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 45th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 125th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 258th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 554th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 1074th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 2433rd out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 4635th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.