Martha Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis

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Summary

Martha is an Aramaic name meaning 'lady' or 'mistress', derived from the word 'marta'. It has evolved through Greek and Latin forms and is widely recognized due to its biblical significance. The name embodies traits of hospitality and nurturing, and it has been consistently popular, especially in Christian contexts. Notable figures with this name include Martha Stewart and Martha Washington.

The name Martha is most popular in Alabama, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Silent 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, Martha has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, too falling for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, too falling for female in South, stalled for male in West, too falling for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Martha' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 1355th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1147th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 1723rd out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 2917th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 4136th out of 16616 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 24th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 26th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 50th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 145th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 243rd out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 488th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 743rd out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Martha' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.

Etymology & Cultural Background of "Martha"

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Pronunciation

/ˈmɑːrθə/

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Origin

Aramaic

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Etymology

The name Martha is derived from the Aramaic word 'marta', which means 'lady' or 'mistress'. It is also associated with the Hebrew word 'marta', meaning 'to be bitter'.

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Meaning

lady, mistress

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Language Evolution

Marta (Aramaic), Martha (Greek), Martha (Latin)

Biblical Background

Martha is a prominent figure in the New Testament, known for being the sister of Mary and Lazarus, and for her role in the story of Jesus visiting their home.

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Historical Usage

The name Martha became popular in Christian communities during the Middle Ages, particularly due to its biblical association. It has maintained a steady presence in various cultures since then.

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Variants & Derivatives

Marthe, Martina, Marta, Marti

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Modern Popularity & Image

Martha is perceived as a classic and traditional name, often associated with qualities of hospitality and nurturing, partly due to its biblical roots.

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Famous People

Martha Stewart, American television personality and businesswoman, Martha Washington, the first First Lady of the United States, Martha Argerich, Argentine pianist

Explore More Martha Name Visualizations

Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Martha"

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 of "Martha"

"Martha" Popularity Across American Generations

Generation Gender Rank Total Names
G.I. Generation (1901-1927) Boy 1355th of 7545 457
Silent Generation (1928-1945) Boy 1147th of 6773 642
Baby Boomers (1946-1964) Boy 1723rd of 7552 393
Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) Boy 2917th of 10718 191
Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) Boy 4136th of 16616 193
G.I. Generation (1901-1927) Girl 24th of 9107 149,719
Silent Generation (1928-1945) Girl 26th of 9204 148,743
Baby Boomers (1946-1964) Girl 50th of 12526 149,469
Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) Girl 145th of 19264 34,469
Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) Girl 243rd of 27321 18,850
Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) Girl 488th of 35406 9,729
Generation Alpha (2013-2024) Girl 743rd of 30306 4,583

Regional Popularity of "Martha" by Generation for Male Names

TOP(%) MidWest Northeast South West
G.I. Generation
(1901-1927)
- - 100.00%
1785th/1785
-
Silent Generation
(1928-1945)
100.00%
1014th/1014
- 100.00%
1227th/1227
-
Baby Boomers
(1946-1964)
- - 100.00%
1825th/1825
-
Generation X (Gen X)
(1965-1980)
- - - 100.00%
2146th/2146
Millennials (Gen Y)
(1981-1996)
- - 100.00%
2888th/2888
100.00%
2250th/2250
Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers)
(1997-2012)
- - - -
Generation Alpha
(2013-2024)
- - - -

Regional Popularity of "Martha" by Generation for Female Names

TOP(%) MidWest Northeast South West
G.I. Generation
(1901-1927)
100.00%
23rd/23
100.00%
45th/45
100.00%
13th/13
100.00%
40th/40
Silent Generation
(1928-1945)
100.00%
41st/41
100.00%
66th/66
100.00%
9th/9
100.00%
50th/50
Baby Boomers
(1946-1964)
100.00%
80th/80
100.00%
91st/91
100.00%
30th/30
100.00%
65th/65
Generation X (Gen X)
(1965-1980)
100.00%
184th/184
100.00%
193rd/193
100.00%
118th/118
100.00%
129th/129
Millennials (Gen Y)
(1981-1996)
100.00%
290th/290
100.00%
337th/337
100.00%
215th/215
100.00%
185th/185
Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers)
(1997-2012)
100.00%
533rd/533
100.00%
550th/550
100.00%
512th/512
100.00%
430th/430
Generation Alpha
(2013-2024)
100.00%
687th/687
100.00%
611th/611
100.00%
776th/776
100.00%
894th/894

State-by-State Popularity of "Martha"

This map shows the relative popularity of "Martha" 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.