Berta is a feminine name of Germanic origin, derived from the Old High German word "Berthraud," which means "bright" or "famous." It was originally used in Germany and its neighboring regions, but over time, it has spread to other parts of Europe and even beyond.
The name Berta first became popular during the Middle Ages, often among the nobility. One notable historical figure bearing this name is Saint Berta (628-695), the wife of Pepin II of Heristal, a powerful mayor of the palace in Francia. She was known for her piety and charitable works, and after her death, she was canonized by the Catholic Church.
In literature, Berta has appeared as a character in several works, including the Spanish novel "Bertoldo, Bertoldino e Cacasenno" by Giulio Cesare Croce and the Portuguese poem "O Nome da Rosa" by José Maria de Eça de Queiroz. These appearances have helped to further popularize the name.
Today, Berta is not as common a name as it once was, but it continues to be used in some countries, particularly in Spain and Portugal. It remains an attractive option for parents looking for a distinctive and meaningful name for their daughters.
The name Berta experienced significant popularity fluctuations over the given period. It peaked in the late 1800s to early 1900s, with a high of 132 births in 1926, but it began declining steadily around the mid-20th century and reached its lowest point in recent years, with only 5 births each year from 2015 to 2021.