Girl · 24th of 9,107
Martha
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
553,316
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1947
Peak Popularity Year
10,674
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Martha stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
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.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈmɑːrθə/
Origin
Aramaic
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'.
Meaning
lady, mistress
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.
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.
Variants & Derivatives
Marthe, Martina, Marta, Marti
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.
Famous People
Martha Stewart, American television personality and businesswoman, Martha Washington, the first First Lady of the United States, Martha Argerich, Argentine pianist
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 10,674 peak births in 1947
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Alabama
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
Compare 3 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
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
Full popularity table across American generations 12 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |