Bertha is a strong and distinctive name of Germanic origin. Its roots can be traced back to the Old German words "berht" meaning bright or famous, and "hild" meaning battle. Therefore, Bertha's meaning can be interpreted as "bright in battle" or "famous warrior".
The name Bertha has been used throughout history by several notable figures. One of the most well-known is Bertha of Kent, also known as Bertha of Toulouse, who was a Frankish princess and the first wife of Æthelbert of Kent, king of the Anglo-Saxons in the 7th century. Their union played a significant role in the spread of Christianity among the Anglo-Saxons.
Another notable figure is Bertha von Schulthess (1856-1940), a Swiss women's rights activist and suffragist who fought for women's right to vote in Switzerland. She was also involved in various social causes, including workers' rights and pacifism.
While Bertha may not be as popular today as it once was, it remains a unique and powerful name choice with a rich history and meaningful origins.
The name Bertha has seen a varied number of births annually in the United States over the years. Between 1881 and 1986, there were a total of 937 babies named Bertha born in the U.S.
During this period, the highest number of births occurred in 1924 with 23 newborn girls being named Bertha. The lowest number of births was recorded in 1881 and again in 1945, with only 5 babies each year being given the name Bertha.
Throughout these years, the popularity of the name Bertha fluctuated significantly. While it peaked in the early 20th century, it became less common as time passed. However, even in recent years, there were still some newborn girls named Bertha, indicating that this name continues to have a place among American baby names.
These statistics highlight the enduring presence of the name Bertha in U.S. history, albeit with varying degrees of popularity over time. Despite its ups and downs, the name Bertha has been consistently present for nearly a century.