Martha is a feminine given name of Aramaic origin. It means "lady" or "female lord". The name comes from the Aramaic word "marta", which translates to "female ruler".
The name Martha has a rich history in biblical literature. In the New Testament of the Bible, Martha is introduced as one of two sisters who lived with their brother Lazarus in Bethany. She is described as being diligent and hospitable, often serving her family and guests. The most notable story involving Martha is when Jesus raised her brother Lazarus from the dead.
Martha has been a popular name throughout history. In medieval times, it was one of the most common female names in England. In the 20th century, Martha became popular again in the United States and other English-speaking countries.
Today, Martha continues to be a beloved name for girls around the world. Its timeless meaning and biblical roots give it a sense of strength and dignity. Despite its historical significance, Martha remains a relatively uncommon name, making it unique and distinctive.
The statistics provided show the annual number of births with the name Martha in the United States from 1880 to 2023.
From 1880 to around 1910, the number of babies named Martha was relatively low, ranging between approximately 1000 to 3000 births per year. However, there was a significant increase in popularity during the early 20th century. In 1912, there were 3911 births, which more than doubled by 1915 with 7216 births.
The name Martha remained quite popular throughout the 1920s and 1930s, with over 7000 births each year. It reached its peak popularity in 1947 with 10,652 births. After this point, there was a gradual decline in popularity.
In the late 1950s and throughout the 1960s, the number of babies named Martha significantly decreased. By 1960, there were only 5831 births, and it continued to decrease until reaching its lowest point in recent years with only 343 births in 2013.
Since then, there has been a slight resurgence in popularity. In 2022, there were 435 births with the name Martha, indicating that while it may not be as popular as it once was, it remains a name of choice for some parents in the United States.
Overall, these statistics show the changing trends and fluctuations in popularity of the name Martha over time in the United States.